Based on research conducted by Kemin Industries, the Food & Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine has approved the use of chromium propionate as a source of chromium in horse diets, according to an announcement from Kemin.
With this new approval, Kemin said chromium propionate is now approved for use in swine, broiler chickens, cattle and horses, and Kemin's KemTRACE Chromium product is the only FDA-reviewed source of chromium propionate on the market.
Chromium propionate may help stabilize insulin receptors in animals, improving glucose use and reducing the negative impacts of stress, Kemin said. Every cell in the horse relies on glucose to fuel its function and growth. Therefore, maximizing cells' utilization of glucose may result in improved immune response and overall health and performance.
"We are thrilled to introduce KemTRACE Chromium into the horse market," said Kristi Krafka, vice president of regulatory affairs and quality assurance for Kemin Animal Nutrition & Health — North America. "Chromium supplementation is one way that Kemin has advanced nutrition and performance in livestock and poultry in recent decades, and we are proud to now offer the same quality, safe, efficacious product to horse owners, nutritionists and veterinarians."
According to Kemin, published research across many species has shown that chromium may have the ability to reduce cortisol, a hormone secreted in response to stress. The reduction in cortisol during times of stress may decrease negative impacts from stress events, such as extreme heat or cold, diet changes, changes in routine and more, the company added.
Kemin noted that its KemTRACE Chromium is also available for use in horse diets in Mexico. The product is available for use in more than 35 countries around the world for a variety of species.
Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family owned and operated company with more than 2,800 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa and the U.S.