Effects of shade and chromium propionate supplementation during gestation of beef cows under heat stress: cow thermotolerance, cow-calf performance and physiological responses
Observational analysis revealed improved cow-calf performance and thermotolerance in beef cattle, indicating the benefits of shade and chromium supplementation during gestation.
Key Points
Shade improved dam performance, thermotolerance, and calf vigor, enhancing overall growth and immunity.
Cows given chromium showed greater body weight postpartum, but thermotolerance did not significantly improve with supplementation.
Cows without shade had higher glucose and NEFA levels, indicating stress response under heat conditions.
Chromium supplementation altered several physiological parameters, including total proteins and respiration rates, though effects varied by treatment.