Effect of Chromium supplementation on milk yield, Feed intake and the body temperature of Lactating Diary Cows

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the effects of adding chromium as supplement, on the general performance and milk production of diary Cows under Sudan conditions. During the period of 30th June to 25 Aug 2010. The experimental animals were randomly divided into two groups: the first group (three cows) was fed a control diet, while the second group (four cows) was fed diet supplemented with chromium yeast. (Alltech, Inc. Nicholasvilleky US.A.) Chromium was added at manufacturer's recommend level (4 g/head/day). Maximum and minimum temperatures during the experimental period was recorded as 42.60C and 37.30C respectively. The results of this study showed that adding chromium yeast to the ration of these experimental cows caused a significant increase (P < 0.01) in milk production from 14.82 + 67kg in control to 19.61 + 60kg for treated group. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in feed intake, but a notable decrease in body temperature causing a relatively less stress on the treated group. Also the results of this study have shown decreases in heat stress of the treated group, due to decreases in the body temperature.