Kemin Research Leads to FDA Approval of Chromium Propionate for Use in Growing Turkey Diets

DES MOINES, Iowa — Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer, conducted extensive research that served as the basis for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine's approval of the use of chromium propionate as a source of chromium in growing turkey diets. With this approval, chromium propionate is now approved for use in swine, broiler chickens, cattle, horses, and growing turkey diets. 

KemTRACE Chromium from Kemin is the only FDA-reviewed source of chromium propionate on the market today and has been fed to millions of animals around the globe, Kemin reported.

KemTRACE Chromium is a highly bioavailable, organic source of chromium propionate that helps stabilize insulin receptors in animals, improving glucose utilization and reducing the negative impacts of stress. Every cell in the animal relies on glucose to fuel its function and growth, so maximizing cells' utilization of glucose may result in improved immune response and overall health and performance.

“We are thrilled that the use of chromium propionate in animal diets continues to expand in the U.S. and beyond,” said Kristi Krafka, vice president of regulatory affairs and quality assurance, Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health North America. “Kemin has spent decades advancing the nutrition and performance of livestock and poultry through novel feed ingredients and is now able to offer safe, effective KemTRACE Chromium to turkey producers, nutritionists and veterinarians.”

Published research across many species has shown chromium has the ability to reduce cortisol, which is a hormone secreted in response to stress, reported Kemin. The reduction in cortisol during times of stress may decrease negative impacts from stress events, such as extreme heat or cold, diet changes, disease challenges and more.

“There is a robust and growing body of research demonstrating the utility of chromium propionate supplementation in cattle, swine, broilers, horses, and now, turkeys,” said Dr. Jerry Spears, professor emeritus, North Carolina State University. “We appreciate the opportunity to continue to partner with Kemin, help bring this new research to the turkey industry and support advancements in animal health and performance.”

Results of a recent study indicate that chromium propionate (KemTRACE Chromium) supplementation can improve turkey performance and is safe when supplemented in turkey diets at five times the minimal concentration, which enhanced insulin sensitivity. Over an 84-day feeding period, turkeys supplemented with chromium propionate (KemTRACE Chromium) had greater average daily gain and tended to gain more efficiently than controls. Body weights of turkeys supplemented with KemTRACE Chromium were heavier than controls by day 84 in studies published in the Journal of Poultry Science.