Efficacy of Cr (III) Supplementation on Growth, Carcass Composition, Blood Metabolites, And Endocrine Parameters in Finishing Pigs (Report‪)‬

INTRODUCTION Trivalent chromium (Cr (III)) is a component of glucose tolerance factor (GTF) and is vital in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism presumably by potentiating the action of insulin (Anderson, 1987; Mertz, 1993). Various trivalent chromate compounds have been used as nutritional supplements, weight-loss agents, and muscle-development agents in humans and as feed additives in domestic animals (Lindemann et al., 1995; Vincent, 2004). It is generally accepted that organic sources of Cr have a higher bioavailability than inorganic sources (NRC, 1997). Interest has focused on the potential use of the organic chromium complex, chromium picolinate (CrPic), to increase carcass leanness. Positive responses were reported by Page et al. (1993), Lindemann et al. (1995), Bolemann et al. (1995), and Mooney and Cromwell (1995). However, others reported no responses in carcass leanness to supplemental Cr in this form (Harris et al., 1995; Ward et al., 1995; Mooney and Cromwell, 1996).