Effects of dietary chromium supplementation on blood biochemical parameters in dairy cows: A multilevel meta-analytical approach

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#female #cattle #animals #glucagon #blood-glucose

Effects of dietary chromium supplementation on blood biochemical parameters in dairy cows: A multilevel meta-analytical approach

Malik et al., 2024 | J Dairy Sci | Meta Analysis

Citation

Malik Muhammad I, Jonker Arjan, ... Sun Xuezhao. Effects of dietary chromium supplementation on blood biochemical parameters in dairy cows: A multilevel meta-analytical approach. J Dairy Sci. 2024-Jan;107(1):301-316. doi:10.3168/jds.2023-23545

Abstract

Chromium (Cr) has been reported to modulate blood biochemistry in dairy cows. However, there is a discrepancy in the literature regarding the effects of dietary Cr supplementation on various blood parameters. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of Cr supplementation in dairy cows on blood glucose, insulin, glucagon, nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), cortisol, and serum total protein (STP) concentrations. Following relevant literature data extraction, a 3-level meta-analytical random effect model was fitted to the data expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) of outcome measures of control versus Cr-supplemented cows (i.e., difference in mean between control and treatment group or pooled standard deviation). The SMD can be categorized as having a small effect (0.20), a moderate effect (0.50), and a large effect (0.80). The meta-regression identified the potential sources of heterogeneity, including the body weight of cows, experimental duration/duration of Cr supplementation, blood sampling time (3 wk before parturition until 4 wk after parturition categorized as the transition period, else as the nontransition period), and form of Cr complexes. Blood glucose did not differ significantly between control and Cr-supplemented cows with an estimated SMD of μ = 0.0071 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.212 to 0.226). The effect of Cr supplementation on blood insulin was also nonsignificant with an SMD of μ = 0.0007 (95% CI: -0.191 to 0.193). Cows receiving Cr supplements had significantly higher levels of glucagon than controls (95% CI: 0.116 to 0.489), with an estimated SMD = 0.303. Combined transition and nontransition data suggest Cr supplementation did not affect the concentration of NEFA. However, in transition cows, Cr supplementation significantly decreased blood NEFA levels as compared with controls (95% CI: -0.522 to -0.0039), with estimated SMD = -0.263. The estimated SMD was μ = -0.1983 (95% CI: -0.734 to 0.337) for cortisol and -0.0923 (95% CI: -0.316 to 0.131) for total protein. In summary, Cr supplementation in the transition cows decreased NEFA concentration. Blood glucose, insulin, cortisol, and STP concentrations were unaffected. However, Cr supplementation increased glucagon concentration.

Key Findings

However, Cr supplementation increased glucagon concentration.

Outcomes Measured

  • cortisol levels

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Cattle
  • Animals
  • Glucagon
  • Blood Glucose
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Lactation
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Chromium
  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified
  • Insulin
  • Diet
  • Postpartum Period

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Journal Article
  • Vertical: chromium

Provenance

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