Metabolites in blood serum obtained from pigs fed with diets supplemented with Chromium-L-Methionine

A total of 48 pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus; 24 castrated males and 24 females) of commercial cross-breeds (Yorkshire, Hampshire, Duroc and Landrace) from 3.5 to 4.0 years of age were used. The initial weight was 60.0 +/- 5,0 kg during the final growth stage at 45 days. We used (14.5 % CP and 3400 kcal/ME) with chromium addition from September to November 2002. The experiment was carried out at the Universidad Autonoma Agraria Antonio Narro, located in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. The effect of Chromium-L-Methionine (MiCroPlex (R)) (0, 200, 400 y 600 ppb) was evaluated as metabolites concentration in the serum of pigs (Glucose, uric acid, creatinine, urea, total proteins and cholesterol). Results of metabolite analyses were processed as a randomized complete design with a factorial arrangement of 2 x 4 (2 sexes and 4 chromium levels). Metabolite concentrations of pigs were not affected (P>0.05) by the sex factor. Glucose in pig serum decreased (P<0.05), and cholesterol increased (P<0.05) in finishing pigs fed with chromic diets. It is concluded that Cr increases glucose and diminishes cholesterol metabolism, which could result in energy production available for protein synthesis, necessary for animal growth.