A new standard has been set for strategic trace mineral supplementation in cattle with the release of a new injectable trace mineral product from leading animal health company, Virbac Australia.
With scientific trials showing up to 60 per cent reduction in disease incidence 2,3 and a 58 per cent reduction in mortality rates in calves 3, Multimin Chrome is an innovative formulation that includes five essential trace minerals; copper, selenium, zinc, manganese and chromium designed to support cattle health and performance during critical periods of their productive life.
Multimin Chrome offers a science-backed formulation ideal for young, growing animals when the pressure to perform is at its highest, helping cattle producers to mitigate stress and enhance nutrient utilisation in their herd.
What is Chromium?
Chromium is an essential trace mineral for livestock 4-6 naturally found in pastures, feedstuff and in the diets of cattle and sheep. However, chromium concentrations in common feed vary greatly 7. Research shows that chromium supplementation enhances resilience, maximises nutrient utilisation, mitigates stress responses, reduces oxidative stress, improves immune function, boosts muscle-to-fat ratios, milk yield and reproductive outcomes 8-15. Highlighting chromium's role in improving livestock performance, especially during stressful and high-demand periods such as weaning.
“Weaning is one of the most stressful periods in the life of young cattle," said Dr. Paula Gonzalez-Rivas, Virbac Australia Technical Services Manager for Livestock.
"Strategic trace mineral supplementation with Multimin Chrome boosts the levels of five essential trace minerals helping young cattle maintain their health and performance, reducing disease incidences and mortality rates”
“The inclusion of chromium to the trusted Multimin formulation can offer an extra edge to the known effects of Multimin, chromium supplementation can alleviate the adverse effects of stress and improve nutrient utilisation helping to ensure resilient, healthy, productive, and profitable herds, even when stress and metabolic demands are at the highest”.
Whole-of-farm nutrition expert and Pro Ag consultant, Dr Colin Trengove said “when it comes to trace mineral supplementation, it is important to think of the whole herd’s health.”
Dr Trengove said “research has shown chromium improves carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, as well as regulates immune responses, and the secretion of hormones and some vitamins in the body. It improves reproduction, enhances growth, increases feed conversion efficiency, boosts immunity, reduces heat stress and decreases mortality.”
Multimin Chrome is an exciting innovation that can contribute to better performance outcomes for producers across Australia.
This article was written by Virbac Australia for Seasons magazine.
References
- Refer to registered label APVMA n 90447
- Ashar J., et al. (2024) Effect of injectable trace mineral supplementation on dairy calf health and antioxidant status. Abstract presented at the AAAP & AAAS Congress Melbourne 9-12 July, 2024.
- Bates, A, et al (2019) Reduction in morbidity and mortality of dairy calves from an injectable trace mineral supplement, Vet Rec. 184(22):680*
- NASEM (2016). Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle: Eighth Revised Edition. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
- NASEM (2021). Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle: Eighth Revised Edition. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
- Suttle N.F. (2022) Mineral Nutrition of Livestock. Fifth Edition, CABI, Cambridge.
- Spears J. W. et al. (2017). Chromium concentrations in ruminant feed ingredients. J.Dairy Sci., 100(5), 3584-3590.
- Mowat D. N. (1997). Supplemental organic chromium for beef and dairy cattle. Proceeding in Ruminant Nutrition. Guelph: University of Guelph, 1-21
- Lashkari S. et al. (2018) A Review on the Role of Chromium Supplementation in Ruminant Nutrition—Effects on Productive Performance, Blood Metabolites, Antioxidant Status, and Immunocompetence. Biol Trace Elem Res 186, 305–321.
- Amata I. (2013). Chromium in Livestock Nutrition: A Review. Global Advanced Research J. Ag. Sci., Vol. 2(12) 289-306.
- Spears J. W. (2010). Chromium supplementation in cattle diets. Florida Ruminant Nutrition Symposium; Gainesville, FL, USA, 143-55.
- Perchova A. & Pavlata L. (2007). Chromium As An Essential Nutrient: a Review. Vet Med, 52, 1:1-18.
- Burton J. L. (1995). Supplemental chromium: its benefits to the bovine immune system. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol., 53(2), 117-133.Qiao K. et al. (2024). The Complex Interplay of Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Inflammation in Transition Dairy Cows. Animals, 14(6), 832.
- Spears J. W. et al. (2012). Chromium propionate enhances insulin sensitivity in growing cattle. J. Dairy Sci., 95(4), 2037-2045.
- Palomares, R. A. (2022). Trace minerals supplementation with great impact on beef cattle immunity and health. Animals, 12(20), 2839.
- 1Arthington J.D. & Ranches J. (2021) Trace Mineral Nutrition of Grazing Beef Cattle. Animals. 2021; 11(10):2767.
- 1Virbac (2020) Trial protocol 616/20*
*The Multimin® formulation used in this study may differ from the formulations registered and / or commercialised by Virbac in Australia.
Disclaimer - important, please read:
The information contained in this article is given for general information purposes only, current at the time of first publication, and does not constitute professional advice. The article has been independently created by a human author using some degree of creativity through consultation with various third-party sources. Third party information has been sourced from means which Elders consider to be reliable. However, Elders has not independently verified the information and cannot guarantee its accuracy. Links or references to third party sources are provided for convenience only and do not constitute endorsement of material by third parties or any associated product or service offering. While Elders has exercised reasonable care, skill and diligence in preparation of this article, many factors including environmental/seasonal factors and market conditions can impact its accuracy and currency. The information should not be relied upon under any circumstances and, to the extent permitted by law, Elders disclaim liability for any loss or damage arising out of any reliance upon the information contained in this article. If you would like to speak to someone for tailored advice specific to your circumstances relating to any of the matters referred to in this article, please contact Elders.
