Effects of chromium nanocomposite supplementation on blood metabolites, endocrine parameters and immune traits in finishing pigs

The study reported was conducted to evaluate the effects of chromium nanocomposite (CrNano) on blood metabolites, endocrine parameters, and immune traits in finishing pigs. A total of 100 crossbred castrates (64.8 ± 0.83 kg initial weight) were divided into 10 pens, 10 pigs/pen. Five pens of pigs were offered a control diet (maize–soybean meal, 10.5 g Lys/kg) and others were offered control diet supplemented with 200 μg chromium from CrNano/kg. During the trial, all pigs were given free access to feed and water. Ten pigs from each treatment were selected to collect blood samples after 35 days on trial for analysis of blood metabolites, endocrine parameters, and immune traits. The addition of CrNano significantly reduced serum levels of glucose, urea nitrogen, triglyceride, cholesterol, and nonesterified fatty acid. In contrast, serum levels of total protein, high density lipoprotein and lipase activity were significantly increased in pigs offered the diets supplemented with CrNano. Supplementation of the diet with CrNano also increased serum insulin-like growth factor I and reduced serum insulin and cortisol levels significantly. In addition, supplemental CrNano resulted in significant increments of immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin G contents in plasma. These results suggest that dietary supplementation of Cr as chromium nanocomposite affects blood metabolites, alters the levels of some endocrine parameters, and influences immune status in finishing pigs.