Effect of Chromium on Performance, Antioxidant Status, and Hormonal Parameters of Holstein Calves under Heat Stress
Published:
Feb 12, 2026
Keywords:
antioxidant blood parameters chromium nanoparticles heat stress suckling calves
Abstract
Newborn calf mineral status, including chromium (Cr), is critical for primary growth and reduction of stress effects as well as the health of the newborn calf. Consequently, it is essential to supply minerals at sufficient levels for the suckling calves. In order to evaluate of The effect of feeding milk enriched of inorganic, organic and chromium nanoparticles supplements on performance, blood minerals, biochemical, antioxidant and hormonal of Holstein suckling calves under heat stress, 32 calves with average weight 37± 3 kg in a complete design were randomly selected with 8 replications and 4 treatments. Experimental treatments include milk without chromium supplement (control), milk containing 3 mg of chromium in mineral form per day, milk containing 3 mg of chromium in the form of chromium-methionine per day and milk contained 3 mg of chromium in the form of chromium nanoparticles per day.The results showed that milk enrichment with chromium nanoparticles increased final weight, daily weight gain and dry matter intake. Treatments receiving different forms of chromium showed higher chromium, insulin, glucose, SOD, triiodothyronine, tetraiodothyronine, glutathioneperoxidase and catalase levels in blood than control group. But cortisol, total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde of blood in calves consuming different forms of chromium decreased compared to the control group.In general, the use of chromium, especially in the forms of chromium-methionine and chromium nanoparticles, is recommended in calves affected by heat stress.
Article Details
- How to Cite
-
Ahmadikhatir, A., Ghoorchi, T., Toghdory, A., & Asadi, M. (2026). Effect of Chromium on Performance, Antioxidant Status, and Hormonal Parameters of Holstein Calves under Heat Stress. Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society, 77(1), 10197–10210. https://doi.org/10.12681/jhvms.41607
- Issue
- Vol. 77 No. 1 (2026)
- Section
- Research Articles
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
· Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
· Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g. post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
· Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (preferably in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
References
Alfano FR, Palella BI, Riccio G, (2011) Thermal environment assessment
reliability using temperature—humidity indices. Indust. Health
(1): 95-106.
Anderson RA, (1997) Chromium as an essential nutrient for humans.
Regulat. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 26: S35–S41.
An-Qiang L, Zhi-Sheng W, An-Guo Z, (2009) Effect of chromium picolinate
supplementation on early lactation performance, rectal
temperatures, respiration rates and plasma biochemical response
of Holstein cows under heat stress. Pakistan J. Nutr. 8(7): 940-945.
Asadi M, Ghoorchi T, Toghdory A, (2024) Effect of different forms of
chromium on feed intake, rumen parameters, and blood metabolites
of Afshari ewes during transition period and their lambs under the
influence of heat stress. Anim. Prod. Res. 13(1): 29-47.
Asadi M, Ghoorchi T, Toghdory A, (2024) The effect of using different
forms of chromium around calving on feed intake, digestibility of
nutrients, nutritional behavior of Afshar ewes and the performance
of their lambs under the influence of heat stress. J. Anim. Sci.
(2): 101-117.
Asadi M, Ghoorchi T, Toghdory A, (2024) The effect of using different
forms of chromium on hematological parameters and antioxidant
status of Afshar ewes in the transition period and their lambs under
the influence of heat stress, Iranian J. Anim. Sci. 55(3): 547-563.
Asadi M, Ghoorchi T, Toghdory A, Rajabi Aliabadi R, Iri Tomaj
R, Sahneh M, (2021) Comparison of selenium and vitamin E
recommended NRC and ARC by diet and injection methods on
performance, digestibility, some blood metabolites and skeletal
growth Indices of suckling Holstein Calves. J. Anim. Sci. 31(2):
-69,
Asadi M, Toghdori A, Ghoorchi T, Hatami M, (2023) Influence of organic
manganese supplementation on performance, digestibility, milk
yield and composition of Afshari ewes in the transition period, and
the health of their lambs. Anim. Prod. Res. 12(1): 1-12.
Asadi M, Toghdory A, Ghoorchi T, (2018) Effect of Oral Administration
and Injection of Selenium and Vitamin E on Performance,
Blood Metabolites and Digestibility of Nutrients in Suckling
Dalagh Lambs. Res. Anim. Prod. 9(20): 79-87.
Asadi M, Toghdory A, Ghoorchi T, Hatami M, (2024) The effect of
maternal organic manganese supplementation on performance,
immunological status, blood biochemical and antioxidant status
of Afshari ewes and their newborn lambs in transition period. J.
Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 108: 493–499,
Asadi M, Toghdory A, Hatami M, Ghassemi Nejad J, (2022) Milk
Supplemented with Organic Iron Improves Performance, Blood
Hematology, Iron Metabolism Parameters, Biochemical and Immunological
Parameters in Suckling Dalagh Lambs. Anim. 12: 510.
Bagath M, Krishnan G, Devaraj C, Rashamol VP, Pragna P, Lees AM,
Sejian V, (2019) The impact of heat stress on the immune system
in dairy cattle: a review. Res. Vet. Sci. 126: 94–102.
Bell AW, Greenwood PL, Ehrhardt RA, (2005) Regulation of metabolism
and growth during prenatal growth. In: Burrin DJ, Mersmann HJ
(ed.) Biology of Metabolism in Growing Animals. Elsevier Limited,
Edinburgh, U.K.
Bernabucci U, Ronchi B, Lacetera N, Nardone A, (2002) Markers of
oxidative status in plasma and erythrocytes of transition dairy cows
during hot season. J. Dairy Sci. 85: 2173-2179.
Besong S, Jackson JK, Trammell DS, Akay V, (2001) Influence of supplemental
chromium on concentrations of liver triglyceride, blood
metabolites and rumen VFA profile in steers fed a moderately high
fat diet. J Dairy Sci. 84: 1679–1685.
Bharadwaj M, Mondal BC, Rahal A, Palod J, (2023) Effect of Dietary
Chromium Supplementation on Liver Function of Crossbred Calves
in Pre and Post Weaning Period. Biol. Forum– An Inter. J. 15(8a):
-388.
Bunting L, Fernandez J, Thompson D, Southern L, (1994) Influence
of chromium picolinate on glucose usage and metabolic criteria in
growing Holstein calves. J. Anim. Sci. 72(6): 1591-1599.
Cao J, Guo F, Zhang L, Dong B, Gong L, (2014) Effects of dietary Seleno-
methionine supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant
status, plasma selenium concentration, and immune function in
weaning pigs. J. Anim. Sci. Biotechnol. 5(1): 1-7.
Refere nce
Das R, Sailo L, Verma N, Bharti P, Saikia J, (2016) Impact of heat stress
on health and performance of dairy animals: a review. Vet. World 9:
–268.
Deka RS, Mani V, Kumar M, Shiwajirao ZS, Kaur H, (2015) Chromium
supplements in the feed for lactating Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus
bubalis): influence on nutrient utilization, lactation performance,
and metabolic responses. Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 168: 362-371.
Domínguez-Vara IA, González-Muñoz SS, Pinos-Rodríguez JM,
Bórquez-Gastelum JL, Bárcena-Gama R, Mendoza-Martínez G,
Zapata LE, Landois-Palencia LL, (2009) Effect of feeding selenium-
yeast and chromium-yeast to finishing lambs on growth, carcass
characteristics, and blood hormones and metabolites. J. Anim. Feed
Sci. Technol. 152: 42-49.
Forbes CD, Fernandez JM, Bunting LD, Southern LL, Thompson DL,
Gentry LR, Chapa AM, (1998) Growth and metabolic characteristics
of Suffolk and Gulf Coast Native yearling ewes supplemented
with chromium Tri picolinate. Small Rumin. Res. 28(2): 149-160.
Gehrig SM, van der Poel C, Sayer TA, Schertzer JD, Henstridge DC,
Church JE, Lynch GS, (2012) Hsp72 preserves muscle function and
slows progression of severe muscular dystrophy. Nature 484(7394):
-398.
Ghandehari M, Khodaei M, KazemiBonchenari M, (2018) Effects of
Supplementation of Chromium, Monensin and Their Combination
on Some Blood Metabolites, Liver Enzymes and Insulin in Close-
Up Holstein Dairy Cows. Res. Anim. Prod. 9: 53-60,
Ghasemi Kasmaei F, Safari Manjegh Tappeh S, (2022) Comparison of
the effect of organic, inorganic and nano-chromium supplements
on growth performance and blood parameters of Mehraban fattening
lambs. International J. Plant, Anim. Environment. Sci. 14(3):
-102.
Ghavidel M, Toghdory A, Ghoorchi T, Asadi
M, (2024) Influence of chelated iron supplement
containing organic acids and amino acids on growth performance,
skeletal growth indices, fecal score, and blood parameters in suckling
calves. Anim. Prod. Res. 13(3): 61-74.
Ghorbani A, Sadri H, Alizadeh AR, Bruckmaier RM, (2012) Performance
and metabolic responses of Holstein calves to supple-mental
chromium in colostrum and milk. J. Dairy Sci. 95: 5760–5769.
Giri A, Bharti VK, Kalia S, Ravindran VP, Ranjan P, Raj Kundan T,
Kuma B, (2017) Seasonal changes in haematological and biochemical
profile of dairy cows in high altitude cold desert. Indian J.
Anim. Sci. 87(6): 723–727.
Glombowsky P, Soldá NM, Molosse VL, Deolindo GL, Sulzbach MM,
Bottari NB, Schetinger MRC, Zotti CA, Solivo G, Vedovatto M, da
Silva AS, (2024) Chromium in the Diet of Dairy Calves: Benefits
for Growth Performance, Feed Efficiency, Digestibility, and Health.
Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 202(11): 5036-5050.
Gong J, Xiao M, (2016) Selenium and antioxidant status in dairy cows
at different stages of lactation. Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 171: 89–93.
Hala AA, Abou-Zeina NM, Nassar SA, Mohamed AF, (2014) Influence
of dietary 248 supplementation with antioxidants on the growth
performance, hematological and serum 249 biochemical alterations
in goat kids, Global Veterinaria 13: 926-937.
Haldar S, MondalS, Samanta S, Ghosh TK, (2009) Performance traits
and metabolic responses in goats (Capra hircus) supplemented
with inorganic trivalent chromium. J. Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 131:
-123.
Hayirli A, Bremmer DR, Bertics SJ, Socha MT, Grummer RR, (2001)
Effect of chromium supplementation on production and metabolic
parameters in periparturient dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 84(5):
-1230.
Hill EK, Li J, (2017) Current and future prospects for nanotechnology
in animal production. J. Anim. Sci. Biotechnol. 8(1): 1-13.
Jin D, Kang K, Wang H, Wang Z, Xue B, Wang L, Xu F, Peng Q,
(2017) Effects of dietary supplementation of active dried yeast on
fecal methanogenic archaea diversity in dairy cows. Anaerobe J.
: 78–88.
Kafilzadeh F, Targhibi MR, (2012) Effect of chromium supplementation
on productive and reproductive performances and some metabolic
parameters in late gestation and early lactation of dairy cows. Biol.
Trace Elem. Res. 149(1): 42-49.
Kaki Soumar S, Hozhabri F, Moeini MM, Nikousefat Z, (2018) The
effect of black seed with chromium-methionine or zinc-methionine
on the blood parameters, antioxidant capacity and performance of
Sanjabi lambs under transport stress. J. Rum. Res. 6(1): 85-100 .
Kaneko JJ, Harvey JW, Bruss ML, (1997) Clinical biochemistry of
domestic animals, Fifth edition, academic press.
Kargar S, Mousavi F, Karimi-Dehkordi S, (2018) Effects of chromium
supplementation on weight gain, feeding behaviour, health and
metabolic criteria of environmentally heat-loaded Holstein dairy
calves from birth to weaning. Arch. Anim. Nutr. 72: 443-457.
Kargar S, Mousavi F, Karimi-Dehkordi S, Ghaffari MH, (2018) Growth
performance, feeding behavior, health status, and blood metabolites
of environmentally heat-loaded Holstein dairy calves fed diets supplemented
with chromium. J. Dairy Sci. 101: 9876–9887.
Keshri A, Roy D, Kumar V, Kumar M, Kushwaha R, Vaswani S, Choudhury
S, (2021) Effect of chromium supplementation on rhythmic
alterations in growth performance and nutrient utilization of growing
cattle during heat stress. Biol. Rhythm Res. 52(7): 1064-1072.
Keshri A, Roy D, Kumar V, Kumar M, Kushwaha R, Vaswani S, Kotresh
Prasad C, Prakash A, Choudhury S, (2019) Effect of chromium
supplementation on rhythmic alterations in growth performance
and nutrient utilization of growing cattle during heat stress. Biol.
Rhythm Res. 1: 1–9.
Khansari DN, Murgo AJ, Faith RE, (1990) Effects of stress on the
immune system. Immunol. today 11: 170-175.
Kraidees MS, Al-Haidary IA, Mufarrej SL, Al-Saiady MY, Metwally
HM, Hussein MF, (2009) Effect of supplemental chromium levels
on performance, digestibility and carcass characteristics of transport-
stressed lambs. Asian Australasian J. Anim. Sci. 22: 1124-1132.
Kumar M, Kaur H, Tyagi AH, Kewalramani NJ, Mani V, Deka RS,
Sharma VK, Chandra G, Dang AK, (2013) Effect of feeding inorganic
chromium on growth performance, endocrine variables,
and energy metabolites in winter-exposed buffalo calves (Bubalus
bubalis). Biol. Trace. Elem. Res. 155(3): 352-360.
Kumar N, Garg AK, Dass RS, Chaturvedi VK, Mudgal V, Varshney VP,
(2009) Selenium supplementation influences growth performance,
antioxidant status and immune response in lambs. Anim. Feed Sci.
Technol. 153(1-2): 77-87.
Lashkari S, Habibian M, Jensen KS, (2018) A review on the role of
chromium supplementation in ruminant nutrition- effects on productive
performance, blood metabolites, antioxidant status, and
immunocompetence. Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 2(186): 305-321.
Maximino N, Pérez-Alvarez M, Sierra-Ávila R, Ávila-Orta CA, Jiménez-
Regalado E, Bello AM, Cadenas-Pliego G, (2018) Oxidation of
copper nanoparticles protected with different coatings and stored
under ambient conditions. J. Nanomaterials 512768.
Mayorga EJ, Kvidera SK, Seibert JT, Horst EA, Abuajamieh M, Al-Qaisi
M, Lei S, Ross JW, Johnson CD, Kremer B, Ochoa L, Rhoads RP,
Baumgard LH, (2019) Effects of dietary chromium propionate on
growth performance, metabolism, and im-mune biomarkers in heatstressed
finishing pigs. J. Anim. Sci. 97: 1185–1197.
Melendez P, Goff JP, Risco CA, Archbald LF, Littell R, Donovan G,
(2004) Effect of a monensin controlled-release capsule on rumen
and blood metabolites in Florida Holstein transition cows. J. Dairy
Sci. 87: 4182-4189.
Moonsie-Shageer S, Mowat DN, (1993) Effects of level of supplemental
chromium on performance, serum constituents, and immune status
of stressed feeder calves. J. Anim. Sci. 71: 232–238.
Moreira PSA, Palhari C, Berber RCA, (2020) Dietary chromium and
growth performance animals: a review. Sci. Elect. Archives 13(7):
-66.
Mousaie A, Valizadeh R, Naserian AA, Heidarpour M, Kazemi Mehrjerdi
H, (2014) Impacts of feeding selenium-methionine and chromium-
methionine on performance, serum components, antioxidant
status and physiological responses to transportation stress of Baluchi
ewe lambs. Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 162: 113–123.
Mousavi F, Karimi-Dehkordi S, Kargar S, (2019) Effect of chromium
supplementation on growth performance, meal pattern, metabolic
and antioxidant status and insulin sensitivity of summer-exposed
weaned dairy calves. Anim. 13: 968–974.
Mousavi F, Karimi-Dehkordi S, Kargar S, Khosravi-Bakhtiari M, (2019)
Effects of dietary chromium supplementation on calf performance,
metabolic hormones, oxidative status, and susceptibility to diarrhea
and pneumonia. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 248: 95–105.
Nonaka I, Takusari N, Tajima K, Suzuki T, Higuchi H, Kurihara M,
(2008) Effects of high environmental temperatures on physiological
and nutritional status of prepubertal Holstein heifers. Livestock
Sci. 113(1): 14–23.
Ohh SJ Lee JY, (2005) Dietary chromium- methionine chelate supplementation
and animal performance. Asian- Australasian J. Anim.
Sci. 18(6): 898-907.
Patil AK, Verma AK, Singh P, Das A, Gaur GK, (2017) Effect of mlasses
based multinutrients and Chromium supplementation on the haematological
and blood biochemical profile in lactating Murrah
buffaloes. J. Anim. Res. 7(27): 1-9.
Pechova A, Cech P, Pavlata L, Podhorsky A, (2003) The influence of
chromium supplementation on metabolism, performance and reproduction
of dairy cows in a herd with increased occurrence of
ketosis. Czech J. Anim. Sci. 48: 349–358.
Pechova A, Pavlata L, (2007) Chromium as an essential nutrient: a
review. Veterinární medicína 52(1): 1-18.
Pechova A, Podhorsky A, Lokajova E, Pavlata L, Illek J, (2002) Metabolic
effects of chromium supplementation in dairy cows in the
periportal period. Acta Veterinaria Brno 71: 9-18.
Phan TTV, Huynh TC, Manivasagan P, Sudip Mondal S, Junghwan
OJ, (2020) An Up-To-Date Review on Biomedical Applications of
Palladium Nanoparticles. Nanomaterials 10(66): 1-19.
Regoli F, Principato G, (1995) Glutathione, glutathione-dependent and
antioxidant enzymes in mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, exposed
to metals under field and laboratory conditions: implications for the
use of biochemical biomarkers. Aquatic toxicol. 31(2): 143-164.
Ryan AW, Kegley EB, Hawley J, Powell JG, Hornsby JA, Reynolds JL,
Laudert SB, (2015) Supplemental trace minerals (zinc, copper, and
manganese) as sulfates, organic amino acid complexes, or hydroxy
trace-mineral sources for shipping-stressed calves. Professional
Anim. Sci. 31(4): 333-341.
Sahin K, Sahin N, Kucuk O, (2003) Effects of chromium, and ascorbic
acid supplementation on growth, carcass traits, serum metabolites,
and antioxidant status of broiler chickens reared at a high ambient
temperature (32 C). Nutr. Res. 23(2): 225-238.
Seifalinasab A, Mousaie A, Sattaei Mokhtari M, Doumari H, (2019) The
effect of organic chromium supplement on growth performance,
nutrients digestibility and some ruminal fermentation parameters
and blood metabolites in fattening lambs. Res. Anim. Prod. 10(23):
-74.
Sejian V, Bhatta R, Gaughan JB, Dunshea FR, Lacetera N, (2018) Adaptation
of animals to heat stress. Anim. 12: 431–444.
Soltan MA, (2010) Effect of dietary chromium supplementation on
productive and reproductive performance of early lactating dairy
cows under heat stress. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 94: 264-272.
Sordillo LM, Aitken SL, (2009) Impact of oxidative stress on the health
and immune function of dairy cattle. Vet Immunol Immunopathol.
: 104–109.
Soriani N, Panella G, Calamari L, (2013) Rumination time during the
summer season and its relationships with metabolic conditions and
milk production. J. Dairy Sci. 96: 5082–5094.
Sousa IKF, Sousa RS, Mori CS, Morini AC, Neves KL, Minervino AHH,
Ortolani EL, (2020) Influence of organic chromium supplementation
on the performance of beef calves undergoing weaning-related
stress. Pesq. Vet. Bras. 40(2): 97-101.
Stahlhut HS, Whisnant CS, Spears JW, (2006) Effect of chromium supplementation
and copper status on performance and reproduction
of beef cows. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 128: 266–275.
Stewart WC, Bobe G, Pirelli GJ, Mosher WD, Hall JA, (2012) Organic
and inorganic selenium: III. Ewe and progeny performance. J. Anim.
Sci. 90: 4536-4543.
Sultana JR, Chandra AS, Ramana DBV, Raghunandan T, Prakash MG,
Venkateswarlu M, (2022) Effect of supplemental chromium, vitamin
E and selenium on biochemical and physiological parameters
of Holstein Friesian calves under heat stress. Indian J. Anim. Res.
(8): 921- 927.
Sun LL, Gao ST, Wang K, Xu JC, Sanz-Fernandez MV, Baumgard LH,
Bu DP, (2019) Effects of source on bioavailability of selenium,
antioxidant status, and performance in lactating dairy cows during
oxidative stress-inducing conditions. J. Dairy Sci. 102: 31 1–319.
Sun P, Wang J, Liu W, Bu DP, Liu SJ, Zhang KZ, (2017) Hydroxy-selenomethionine:
a novel organic selenium source that improves
antioxidant status and selenium concentrations in milk and plasma
of mid-lactation dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 100: 9602–9610.
Toghdory A, Asadi M, Ghoorchi T, Hatami M, (2023) Impacts of organic
manganese supplementation on blood mineral, biochemical,
and hematology in Afshari Ewes and their newborn lambs in the
transition period. J. Trace Elem. Med. Biol. 79: 127215.
Uyanik F, (2001) The Effects of dietary chromium supplementation on
some blood parameters in sheep. Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 84: 93-10.
Vincent JB, (2015) Is the pharmacological mode of action of chromium
(III) as a second messenger. Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 166: 7–12.
Wu ZZ, Peng WC, Liu JX, Xu GZ, Wang DM, (2021) Effect of chromium
methionine supplementation on lactation performance, hepatic
respiratory rate and anti-oxidative capacity in early-lactating dairy
cows. Anim. 15(9): 100326.
Yari M, Nikkhah A, Alikhani M, Khorvash M, Rahmani H, Ghorbani
GR, (2010) Physiological calf responses to increased chromium
supply in summer. J. Dairy Sci. 93: 4111-4120.
Yuan K, Vargas-Rodriguez CF, Mamedova LK, Muckey MB, Vaughn
MA, Burnett DD, Bradford BJ, (2014) Effects of supplemental
chromium propionate and rumen-protected amino acids on nutrient
metabolism, neutrophil activation, and adipocyte size in dairy cows
during peak lactation. J. Dairy Sci. 97(6): 3822-3831.
Zhang FJ, Weng XG, Wang JF, Zhou D, Zhang W, Zhai CC, Zhu YH,
(2014) Effects of temperature–humidity index and chromium supplementation
on antioxidant capacity, heat shock protein 72, and cytokine
responses of lactating cows. J. Anim. Sci. 92(7): 3026-3034.
Zhao MD, Di LF, Tang ZY, Jiang W, Li CY, (2019) Effect of tannins
and cellulase on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, blood
profiles, intestinal morphology and carcass characteristics in Hu
sheep. Asian-Australasian J. Anim. Sci. 32: 1540-1547.
