CA2039307A1 - Animal feed supplement - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT
A process of administering to cattle an amount of biologically assimilable chromium compound effective to reduce the incidence or severity of stress-related disorders and to obtain weight gain and improved feed efficiency and a food supplement is disclosed.

Description

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FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of animal nutrition, and more particularly to the control and alleviation of stress-induced disorders in livestock, especially ruminants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIOy The effects of stress on cattle manifest themselves in a variety of different ways. It is ~elieved to result in reduced reproductive efficiency in dairy and beef cattle and to a reduction in milk yields in dairy cattle, especially during the initial stages of lactation. It is believed to contribute to pasture bloat and feedlot bloat.

Some of the most serious stress effects in cattle are those exhibited by calves after shipping. The stress is believed to depress the calf's immune system, rendering it particularly susceptible to disease. Typically, calves are shipped to sale lots immediately after weaning, starting at an age of less than 20 weeks. During and after shipping they are held in relatively close confinement with other calves, so that they are exposed to disease risks and unfamiliar environnents and feeds. It is also typical to cut off their feed and water during transit (apart from a mandatory stop to feed and drink every 48 hours). It is not uncommon that cattle develop what is known as "shipping fever", which becomes evident some 7-10 days after shipping, and often manifests itself in the form of a respiratory disease oomplex. The calf may cough and wheeze, suffer loss of appetite and even develop pneumonia.

BRIEF REFERENCE TO THE PRIOR ART

Previous attempts to counteract shipping fever in calves have frequently involved the administration of antibiotics, to treat the infections contracted. However, some doubt has been raised as to the benefit and efficacy of such treatments. The effectiveness may be reduced because of the depressed state of the animal's immune system and other body functions. Antibiotics use on calves may also be undesirable for other reasons. Antibiotics are expensive. Antibiotics may leave residues in meat, presenting potential health safety problems.
The administration of an antibiotic to a calf may lead to its establishing a resistance to that antibiotic so that it cannot be used effectively on the animal later. Further, strains of bacteria resistant to antibiotics may be generated ~hich could present problems for humans.
Additionally, antibiotics interfere with the rumen micro-organisms and, as a result, may cause digestive upsets.

Stressed cattle also exhibit a "dark cutter" effect which is a darkening of the meat throughout the carcass observed after slaughter. The "dark cutter" effect results in a significant decrease in the value of the meat. Antibiotics have no discernible effect on avoiding "dark cutter".

Vaccination of the calves against the commonest anticipated infectious diseases is also used. This is less than optional, again because of the stress-induced immune system depression. Even vaccination of the calve~ to protect them against diseases in subsequent months is best delayed until at three weeks after the shipping, to allow the immune system the best chance of recovery.

Pre-conditioning of the calves prior to shipping, in an attempt to prevent or alleviate shipping fever, is also practised. This can involve special management of the animals prior to shipping, or the use of various feed additives in the animal's diet prior to shipping.
Examples of special management are weaning a month prior to sale, dehorning, castration and vaccination. Creep feeding is also widely used.

Shipping fever is a complex of diseases which is not ccmpletely understood. It has been observed that one of the most ?'~

virulent of these diseases is caused by infectious bovine xhinotracheitis virus. Orr et al. in the J. Anim Sci. l990; 68:2893-2900, describe the results of trials to determine the changes in copper and zinc levels in serum during market-transit stress and/or disease in beef cattle. They noted sexum zinc decreases and sexum copper increases in morbid calves and in calves pre-inoculated with infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus. The relationship between zinc and immunity is well understood in both human and animal medicine~

Ln the present invention the inventor teaches the use of chromium as a dietary supplement to counteract shipping fever. A
relationship between zinc and chrcmium has been observed experimentally in mice (Schrauzer et al., 1986) but has not been documented in studies of domestic animals. Chrcmium has also been related to insulin and is sometimes described as a co-factor or potentiator of insulin in some nonruminant species. Fox example, in a paper entitled "Studies on the Essentialitv of Chromium for Ruminants", L.J. Samsell and J.W. Spears of the ~epartment of Animal Scien oe , North Carolina State University, determined the following:

"Chromium is essential for normal carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in a number of non-ruminant animal species. As a component of the glucose tolerance factor, chrcmium facilitates insulin action. Chromium supplementation has also decreased serum cholesterol in a number of studies. Ruminants differ from non-r~minants in regard to (1) major substrates used for energy storage and oxidation and (2) response to insulin. Volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate and butyrate) produced duxing microbial fermentation in the rumen provide the major energy source for lipogenesis and oxidative metabolism in ruminants. Most of the glucose required by ruminants is supplied by gluconeogensis, and generally little glucose is available for absorption in the small intestine of ruminants. Responses to chromium in ruminants may differ from those seen in non-ruminants because of the major differences in energy metabolism."

There has also been a discussion in the literature of the effects of chrcmium in the diet of humans and some animals including the possibility of toxicity depending on its chemical state and its concentration. For example:

1. a paper by John F. Jaworski entitled "Environmental and Nutritional Effects of Chromium" was published in 1984 by the National Research Council of Canada.

2. M.M. Wang, E.A. Fox, B.J. St oe cker, C.E. Menendez and S.B. Chan, published a paper entitled "Serum Cholesterol of Adults Supplemented with Brewer's Yeast or Chromium Chloride" which discusses the role of chrc~ium in human nutrition and health and was published in Nutrition Research, Volume 9, 1989.

3. G.B. Jones and R.A. Buckley wrote a paper entitled "Level~s of Chromiurn in Wheats and some other Animal Feedstuffs in Australia", J.P. Sci. Fd Agric., 1977, 28, 265-268.

4. Richard A. Anderson wrote a paper entitled "Chromium" for the U.S. Departrnent of Agriculture which discussed chrcrnium in animal tissues and fluids.

5. C.D. Seaborn and B.J. Stoecker wr~te a paper entitled "Effects of Starch, Sucrose, Fructose and Glucose on Chromium Absorption J ~3 ~

and Tissue Concentrations in Obese and Lean Mice", 1989, American Institute of Nutrition.

6. R.A. Anderson, N.A. Bryden, M.M. Polansky and P.A. Deuster wrote a paper entitled "Exercise effects on chromium excretion of trained and untrained men consumina a constan~ diet", Journal of Applied Physiology 64: 249-252, 1988.

7. A paper entitled "First International Sym~osium on Metal Ions in Bioloay and Medicine", Trace Elements in Medicine, Vol. 7, No. 2 1990.

8. J.J. Challem and R. Lewin wrote a paper entitled "Chromium: A
Little Nutrient with Bia Benefits", from Let's Live, March 1986.

9. E. Vuori and J. Kumpulainen wrote a paper entitled "A New Low Level of Chromium in Human Liver and Spleen", 1987, Trace Elements in Medicine, Vol.4, No. 2.

10. E.G. Offenbacher and F.X. Pi-Sunyer wrote a paper entitled "Chromium in Human Nutrition", Ann. Rev. Nutr. 1988 8:543-63.

11. R. A. Anderson wrote a paper entitled "Chromium'', from Trace Minerals in Foods, 1988.

12. M. Urberg, J. Benyi, and R. John wrote a paper entitled "Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Nicotinic Acid and Chromium Supplementation", The Journal of Family Practice, Vol. 27, No.
6:603-606, 1988.

13. M. Simonoff wrote a paper entitled "Chromium ~eficiency and Cardiovascular Risk", Cardiovascular Research, 1984, 18, 591-596.

14. M. Simonoff, Y. Llabador, C. Hamon, A. Mackenzie Peers and G. N.
Simonoff wrote a paper entitled "Low Plas~a Chromium in Patients with Coronary Artery and Heart Diseases", Biological Trace Element R~search, Vol. 6, 1984.

15. R.A. Anderson and A.S. Kozlovsky wrote a paper entitled "Chromium Intake, Absorption and Excretion of Subiects Consumina Self~
Selected Diets", The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 41, June, 1985.

16. A. Yam~moto, O. Wada and H. Suzuki wrote a paper entitled "Purification and Properties of Bioloaically Active Chr~nium Complex from Bovine Colostrum", J.Nutr.1,18:39-45, 1988.

17. J. Felcman and M.L. Tristao Braganca wrote a paper entitled "Chromium in Plants", Biological Trace Element Research, Vol. 17, 1988.

18. Paper entitled "Is Chromium Essential for Humans?", Nutrition Review, Vol.46, ~o. 1, January, 1988.

19. J. Clausen wrote a paper entitled "Chromium Induced Clinical Improvement in SYmptomatic HypoglYcaemia", Biological Trace Element Research, Vol. 17, 1988.

20. K.N. Jeejeebhoy, R.C. Chu, E.B. Marliss, G.R. Greenberg, A.
Bruce-Robertson, wrote a paper entitled "Cnromium ~eficiency, Glucose Intolerance, and Neuropathy Reversed by Chromium Supplementation, in a Patient Receivina Lona-Term_ Total Parenteral Nutrition", The American Journal of Clinical ~utrition 30: April 1977, pp.531-538.

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21. W. Mertz wrote a paper entitled "Chromium Cccurrence and Function in Bioloaical Systems", Physiological Reviews, Vol.49, No. 2, April 1969.

22. G. Hansen and C. Blincoe wrote a paper entitled "Pro~erties of a Chromium Complex from Higher Plants", J. Agric.Food Chem., 1982, 30, 458-462.

23. G.N. Schrauzer, K.P. Shrestha, T.B. Molenaar and S. Mead wrote a paper entitled "Effects of Chromium Supplementation on Food Eneray Utilization and the Trace-Element Com~osition in the Liver and Heart of Glucose-Exposed Young Mice", Biological Trace Element Research, Vol.9, 1986.

24. N.C. Steele, T.G. Althen and L.T. Frobish wrote a paper entitled "Biological Activity of Glucose T~lerance Factor in Swine", Journal of Animal Scien oe , Vol. 45, No. 6 (1977).

25. N.C. Steele and R.W. Rosebrough wrote a paper entitled "Trivalent Chromium and Nicotinic Acid Su~lementation for the Turkey Poult", 1979 Poultry Science 58:983-984.

26. R.W. Rosebrough and N.C. Steele wrote a paper entitled "Effect of Supplemental Dietary Chromium or Nicotinic Acid on Carbohydrate Metabolism ~urinq Basal, Starvation, and Refeedinq Periods of Poults", 1981 Poultry Science 60: 407-417.

27. R.A. Anderson, N.A. Bryden, M.M. Polansky and M.P. Richards wrote a paper entitled "Chromium Supplementation of Turkeys: Effects on Tis~ue Chromium", Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry, January/February 1989, 131-134.

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It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel way of alleviating stress-induced disorders in livestock using biologically assimilable chromium as a feed supplement.

It is a further and more specific object of the invention to provide a novel way of managing shipping fever in calves.

SUM~k~RY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based upon the discovery that increased levels of the trace mineral chromium, in biologically assimilable form, in the diet of cattle can effectively reduce the undesirable stress-induced disorders experienced as a result of shipping. Thus the incidence of shipping fever in calves may be reduced in animals which have been treated immediately following shipping by the administration thereto of biologically assimilable chromium. The treatment is continued for a period of about one month and then in lower dosages thereafter until slaughter. It is believed that this treatment also reduces the incidence of the "dark cutter"
effect. It is also believed that the treatment would have beneficial effects if administered prior to shipment although such treatment is unlikely then because the transfer of ownership of the cattle takes place just prior to shipment and there is less concern for the administration of prophylactic treatments of no immediate return.

Thus, from one aspect, the invention provides a process of reducing the incidence or severity of stress-related disorders in cattle, which comprises administering to the cattle an effective amount of biologically assimilable chromium compound.

From another aspect, the invention provides a feed or water supplement for administration to cattle for reducing the incidence or severity of stress-related disorders therein, the feed or water ~3~,~3~3 .~
_ 9 _ supplement comprising an effective arnount of biolo3ically assirnilable chromium compound. As a water supplement, it has been found effective in the range of .01 grams to 2.5 grams for the daily intake of the calf. As a feed supplement, it has been found effective in the range of .01 grams to 2.5 grarns for the daily intake of the calf.

Frcrn a further aspect, the invention provides the use of biologically assimilable chrcrnium, as an injectable medicine or prophylactic etc., for reducing the incidence or severity, or combatting, stress-related disorders in cattle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Since cattle may feed frcm depleted soils or feedstuffs, certain trace mineral nutrients such as selenium in organic or inorganic cnpounds, copper, zinc and potassium may be an additive in a feed supplement product. It is believed that if chromium is also added as part of the feed package that it will have beneficial effects not only on its own but also synergistically in combination with other nutrients.

The biologically active form of chromium is not known with certainty, but is understood to be a proteinaceous organic canplex involving chromium, nicotinic acid and the amino acids glycine, cysteine and glutamic acid. This ccrnplex is commonly known as glucose tolerance factor (GTF) chromium and GTF chromium is available as a pro~uct on the open market. It can be fo~med by addition of inorganic chromium to yeast cells. It has been reported that, chemically it is tetra-aquo-dinicotinato-chrcrnium.

Accordingly, the preferred biologically assimilable chranium ccmpound for use in the present invention is GTF~chrcmium. It is much more biologically active than inorganic chromium. The invention can also use chromium compounds which fonm GTF-chromium in situ, after administration to the animal body.

rrhe most advantageous use of the present invention is in connection with calves, to prevent or lessen the severity of shipping fever. Calves supplemented after arrival with biologically assimilable chromium have been found to have enhanced immunity, reduced morbidity (this particular effect seems to be improved by putting the chromium in the water which is taken first by the cattle after shipment) and to be capable of improved weight gains. Under normal circumstances, newly arrived such calves, typically of weight 500-600 lbs., will commonly lose weight in transit~ It is normally satisfactory to the farmer if the transit weight is regained in the first 28 days, whilst a modest weight gain of 1-2 pounds per day is cause for considerable satisfaction.

The preferred amounts of biologically assimilable chromium, the preferred method of administration of the chromium, and the preferred times of supplying the chromium to the calves, in relation to the time of experience of the shipping stress, are described with reference to the following example referred to in a paper by X. Chang, D. W. Mowat and K. G. Bateman of the ~niversity of Guelph who carried out the test procedure in conjunction with the inventor.

108 calves of weight 500-600 lbs. were shipped in close confinement by truck transit for three days from Western Canada to the University of Guelph farm in Southwest Ontario. Upon arrival, they were divided into four groups. Of the 108 animals, 28 received neither the antibiotic nor the chromium supplement, 26 received the antibiotic only, 26 received both the antibiotic and the chromium supplement and the remainder received the chromium supplement only for the subsequent 28 days.

The chromium supplement was administered as follows:

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1 gram of chromium on a D.M. basis was placed in feed for 28 days and thereafter after 0.5 grams.

The animals were subsequently tested for effectiveness of the treatments and it was reported that the treatment with chromium had considerable effect on daily gain showing an increase of 38% over the controls. The antibiotic treated group showed 36% weight gain. Feed efficiency was improved by 27% over the control whereas the antibiotic group showed only 17% improvement. No improvement over controls was shown for morbidity whereas the antibiotic group had a 12.9 improvement over the control group. The chromium was also linked to various indicators of improved immunity in the cattle such as decreased serum cortisol levels and improved zinc retention. There was also observed a increased insulin response.

The inventor has observed in other tests conducted by him that the cattle first drink water after shipment and take little food in the first days. Accordingly chromium was added to the water drunk by the cattle as follows;
1 gram per head of chromium was placed in water to be drunk by each calf over a day's time for a period of 2-4 days. The water was gently agitated to keep the chromium in suspension.

The results of the inventor, while not conducted in a statistically significant test indicate that improved morbidity levels are obtained in such treatment when it is combined with the treatment of adding chromium to the feed as described above.

Whilst the invention shows its preferred application in connection with alleviation of shipping fever in calves, it is not to be construed as limited to this application. Beneficial effects in t~e reduction or alleviation of stress-induced disorders can also be obtained by use of chromium supplements on mature cattle and at other 3c;~ 7 times than shipping such as just prior to slaughter to avoid the "dark cutter" effect.

The inventor has also observed a synergistic reaction of the chranium supplement with hormone implants (in heifers with estrediol benzoate and testosterone propionate implants and with steers estrediol benzoate and progesterone implants) relating to weight gain.
In particular, weight gain on average of 2.89 pounds per day was achieved. By comparison, a mixed herd of heifers and steers supplemented with chromium only gained, on average, 1.57 pounds per day. The industry standard is in the range of 1.32 and 1.50 pounds per day when given the estrediol benzoate/testosterone (heifers) or estrediol benzoate/progesterone implants only.

Claims (17)

1. A process of administering to cattle an amount of biologically assimilable chromium compound effective to reduce the incidence or severity of stress-related disorders and to obtain weight gain and improved feed efficiency.

2. The process of Claim 1 wherein the biologically assimilable chromium compound is GTF-chromium.

3. The process of Claim 1 in which the chromium is trivalent chromium.

4. The process of Claims 1, 2 and 3 in which chromium is placed in water to be drunk by cattle.

5. The process of claim 4 in which the water is gently agitated to keep the chromium in suspension.

6. The process of Claims 5 or 6 in which 1 gram of the biologically assimilable chromium compound is added to the 5 gallons of water.

7. The process of Claim 1 in which the biologically assimilable chromium compound is added to feed.

8. The process of Claim 1 in which the biologically assimilable chromium compound is added to feed in 0.4 ppm.

9. The process of Claim 1 or 3 wherein the biologically assimilable chromium compound is chromium chloride.

10. The process of Claim 1 in combination with estrediol benzoate and testosterone propionate implants .

11. The process of Claim 1 in combination with estrediol benzoate and progesterone implants.

12. A feed supplement for administration to cattle comprising biologically assimilable chromium compound.

13. The feed supplement of Claim 10 wherein the biological assimilable chromium compound is GTF-chromium.

14. The feed supplement of Claim 10 in which the chromium is trivalent chromium.

15. The feed supplement of Claim 10 wherein the biologically assimilable chromium compound is chromium chloride.

16. The feed supplement of Claim 10 in combination with estrediol benzoate and testosterone propionate implants .

17. The feed supplement of Claim 11 in combination with estrediol benzoate and progesterone implants.