The efficacy of chromium as a growth enhancer for mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio L): an integrated study using biochemical, genetic, and histological responses

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2012 Aug;148(2):187-97. doi: 10.1007/s12011-012-9354-4. Epub 2012 Feb 18.

Abstract

A growth trial was conducted on juvenile mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) for 8 weeks to compare the efficacy of three chromium (Cr) compounds (Cr chloride, Cr picolinate, and Cr yeast) at a level 0.5 mg/kg as a potential growth enhancer. In addition, a high level of Cr (2.0 mg/kg) as Cr chloride has also been added in parallel for comparison. All Cr fortified diets at a level 0.5 mg/kg produced superior growth for carp compared to the control group and the group fed the high level of Cr chloride (2.0 mg/kg). Metabolic indicators measured included two of the key liver enzymes (hexokinase, HK) and (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, G6PD) activity. The results validated the positive effect of Cr at a level 0.5 mg/kg on enzyme activity and carbohydrate utilization producing significantly better growth performance for mirror carp. The study also included measurement of DNA strand breaks in the erythrocytes using the comet assay which revealed significantly (P < 0.05) increased DNA damage in fish fed on high level of Cr chloride (2.0 mg/kg) but the other treatments were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from the control groups. The concentration of Cr in the liver, gut, and whole fish tissues increased with increasing dietary Cr supplementation. Overall, Cr supplementation at a level 0.5 mg/kg from different sources may affect growth performance in carp by activation of some key liver enzymes (HK and G6PD).

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Husbandry / methods
  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Carps / genetics
  • Carps / growth & development*
  • Carps / metabolism*
  • Chlorides / adverse effects
  • Chlorides / pharmacology*
  • Chromium Compounds / adverse effects
  • Chromium Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Comet Assay
  • DNA Breaks
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Erythrocytes / drug effects
  • Erythrocytes / pathology
  • Food, Fortified / analysis
  • Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase / metabolism
  • Hexokinase / metabolism
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / pathology
  • Picolinic Acids / pharmacology*
  • Survival Analysis

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Chlorides
  • Chromium Compounds
  • Picolinic Acids
  • chromous chloride
  • Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase
  • Hexokinase
  • picolinic acid