BEEF AND DAIRY CATTLE ARE INEVITABLY EXPOSED TO STRESS DURING THEIR PRODUCTIVE LIVES
• Pregnancy, lactation, weaning, handling, transportation, commingling, heat or cold stress, and feedlot induction may lead to psychological, physiological and physical stress, which results in loss of trace minerals from the body, and reduced feed intake.4
• Young and stressed cattle are particularly susceptible to internal and external parasites, which can affect nutrient absorption and overall health
• Stressed cattle also face an increased threat of infectious disease such as bovine respiratory disease, which can cause significant morbidity and mortality
• Calves must be able to respond to vaccines and disease challenges. Immunocompetence is driven by good trace mineral nutrition
Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, is released and can alter glucose, protein & lipid metabolism, which can reduce growth, reproduction and immune function 5,6
Chromium is an essential trace mineral for cattle.7-9 Chromium enhances insulin sensitivity, allowing glucose to be better utilised by cells, improving lipid metabolism, promoting protein synthesis and supporting immune function. These effects contribute to improving the overall health and productivity of cattle.10-17
1. IMPROVED NUTRIENT UTILISATION
Protein Synthesis: By improving insulin function, chromium aids in the uptake of amino acids into muscle cells, promoting protein synthesis and muscle growth, which is essential for the overall development and performance of cattle
Enhanced Glucose Uptake: Chromium enhances insulin sensitivity, improving glucose uptake into muscle cells as glycogen. This is crucial for energy production during physical activity and recovery, supporting muscle development and meat quality
Immune Response: Chromium improves insulin function, allowing more glucose (the most important energy source) to be utilised by the immune cells, improving their ability to respond to infections and inflammation
Regulation of Fat Storage: By improving insulin function, chromium regulates the storage of glucose and fats, reducing fat mobilisation and the risk of metabolic diseases and improving carcass quality
2. REDUCED CORTISOL LEVELS
Chromium has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone in animals.10 12 14 15 By lowering cortisol, chromium can help maintain a stronger immune system.
3. SUPPORT OF THE ANTIOXIDENT SYSTEM
Normal bodily processes, such as metabolism, ovulation, pregnancy, and fighting disease, produce free radicals. These unbalanced molecules cause chemical reactions that may damage healthy cells. Antioxidants are substances that neutralise these free-radicals. Multimin provides a rapid ‘top-up’ of the four trace minerals Cu, Zn, Mn and Se, used to synthesise antioxidant enzymes.18 In addition, Cr has antioxidant functions, protecting cells from free radical damage.11,19 These trace minerals also provide a direct source of trace minerals used by several metabolic processes and the reproductive and immune systems.9,18
