Effect of Chromium Propionate Supplementation on Lactation Performance and Blood Parameters of Dairy Cows

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of chromium propionate (Cr, 0.4%) supplementation on lactation performance and blood parameters of dairy cows. One hundred primiparous Holstein cows were grouped based on parity and randomly assigned to five supplemental doses (I, II, III, IV, V) of 0, 25, 50, 100 and 150 mg of Cr propionate/kg of concentrate. Experimental diets were fed from approximately 30 days prepartum until 60 days postpartum. Lactation performance: Cr Prop addition did not affected fat, protein, lactose in milk but supplementation of 50 mg of Cr propionate/kg of concentrate did decrease SCC and increase DMI and milk yield. Blood indicators: Addition of Cr can increase serum glucose except the treatment of 150 mg, increase the content of Cr in serum and decrease beta-hydroxyl butyrate and NEFA.