Research Note: Chromium propionate for turkeys: effect on tissue chromium concentrations and human food safety

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to determine the effect of supplementing turkey diets with chromium propionate (Cr Prop) on Cr concentrations in tissues consumed by humans. Nicholas White male day-old poults were used in this study. Treatments consisted of 0, 0.20, or 1.0 mg supplemental Cr/kg diet. Each treatment consisted of 8 replicate floor pens with 12 poults housed per pen. Diets were fed ad libitum for 84 d. At the end of the study, 2 turkeys per pen were euthanized and samples of liver, breast muscle, kidney, and skin with adhering fat were collected from a similar location in each bird for Cr analysis. Orthogonal contrasts were used to compare the 2 Cr supplemented treatments to the control (0 added Cr) and 0.20 mg Cr to 1.0 mg Cr/kg diet. When expressed on a DM or wet tissue basis, liver (P = 0.001) and muscle (P = 0.015) Cr concentrations were greater in turkeys supplemented with Cr compared with controls. Chromium concentrations in liver were also greater (P = 0.001) in turkeys supplemented with 1.0 mg Cr/kg than those receiving 0.20 mg Cr/kg. Concentrations of Cr in kidney and skin + fat were not affected by treatment. Considering the adequate intake of Cr established for humans, supplementation of Cr Prop at up to 1.0 mg Cr/kg diet would have minimal effect on total Cr intake by humans.

Keywords

• turkey
• chromium
• tissue chromium