Chromium: Pharmacological Applications in Heat-Stressed Poultry

Heat stress has been associated with depressed growth in meat-type birds and a decline in egg production and quality in laying hens. During heat stress, feed intake tends to decrease, thus the availability of certain important minerals is reduced. Chromium (Cr) is one such mineral which is required for maintaining growth performance in poultry due to its role in growth, metabolism and alleviation of lipid peroxidation. The available scientific literature on Cr has documented the beneficial effects of this essential mineral in improving poultry performance under conditions of environmental heat stress. In the present study, past and present information about the specific role of Cr in heat-stressed poultry is presented.