Effects of dietary chromium picolinate supplementation on broiler growth performance: A meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#animal-feed #animals #chickens #dietary-supplements #iron-chelating-agents

Effects of dietary chromium picolinate supplementation on broiler growth performance: A meta-analysis

Feng et al., 2021 | PLoS One | Meta Analysis

Citation

Feng Chao, Wuren Qiqige, ... Na Qin. Effects of dietary chromium picolinate supplementation on broiler growth performance: A meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2021;16(4):e0249527. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0249527

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of dietary chromium picolinate (CrPic) supplementation on broiler growth performance and to determine whether such effects are regulated by broiler strains, sex, environmental stress, or contextual factors including study area and years. METHODS: Eligible studies were identified by searching the Web of Science, Springer, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, Taylor & Francis Online databases. Weighted average differences with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were computed with a random-effects model. We performed subgroup analysis stratified by study area, published years, broiler strains and sex, and environmental stress. Publication bias was assessed with Egger's test method. A total of 15 studies eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: The results indicated that CrPic supplementation significantly improved broiler growth performance and subgroup analysis confirmed this conclusion. We also found that Ross 308 or male broilers might be more sensitive to CrPic supplementation and showed better growth performance. A model was used to obtain the amount of chromium addition under the optimal growth performance, which suggested that the maximum value of average daily gain (ADG) was reached when chromium addition was 1810 μg/kg. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed low sensitivity and high stability of the meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: CrPic supplementation had a positive effect on the growth performance of broilers, and this meta-analysis provides a more accurate value of chromium addition, which may be beneficial for the practice of the broiler industry.

Key Findings

The results indicated that CrPic supplementation significantly improved broiler growth performance and subgroup analysis confirmed this conclusion. We also found that Ross 308 or male broilers might be more sensitive to CrPic supplementation and showed better growth performance. A model was used to obtain the amount of chromium addition under the optimal growth performance, which suggested that the maximum value of average daily gain (ADG) was reached when chromium addition was 1810 μg/kg. The r

Outcomes Measured

  • C-reactive protein

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 15
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Feed
  • Animals
  • Chickens
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Iron Chelating Agents
  • Picolinic Acids

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: chromium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09