Chromium is a key trace mineral that enhances glucose metabolism and improves insulin sensitivity, supporting blood glucose stability and more efficient energy utilization (Osangjib, 2005; Al-Saiady et al., 2020). Beyond improving feed intake, chromium strengthens immune function by reducing oxidative stress and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines. During critical periods such as the postpartum phase, chromium supplementation decreases NEFA and BHBA levels while increasing insulin secretion, ultimately enhancing reproductive performance (Al-Saiady et al., 2020; Mogos et al., 2019).
Methionine, an essential amino acid and the entry point of one-carbon metabolism, plays a central role in protein synthesis, VLDL production, and glutathione formation (Zhou et al., 2021). Its dietary inclusion prevents fatty liver and ketosis, reduces acute-phase proteins, and enhances antioxidant capacity, leading to faster tissue repair, stronger disease resistance, and improved milk production (Smith et al., 2022; Lopez, 2021; Zhou et al., 2021).
The combination of chromium and methionine produces a strong synergistic effect: chromium enhances glucose–insulin pathways, while methionine strengthens one-carbon and antioxidant pathways. The result is improved energy efficiency, reduced inflammation and stress, and enhanced overall health and productivity (Osangjib, 2005; Zhou et al., 2021; Lopez, 2021).
• Respiratory Diseases (IBR, BRD, Pneumonia): The immune-enhancing effects of chromium and methionine reduce susceptibility to respiratory pathogens. Chromium improves neutrophil activity and anti-inflammatory cytokines (Al-Saiady et al., 2020), while methionine reduces systemic inflammation such as haptoglobin levels (Smith et al., 2022). This combination also reduces oxidative stress and shortens recovery time.
• Metabolic Disorders (Ketosis, Acidosis, Hypocalcemia): Chromium improves glucose utilization and insulin regulation, while methionine supports VLDL synthesis and export, helping prevent ketosis and fatty liver (Zhou et al., 2021; Mogos et al., 2019). Chromium supplementation reduces NEFA and BHBA levels postpartum and increases insulin secretion (Mogos et al., 2019), lowering the risk of metabolic disorders including milk fever.
• Digestive Issues and Reduced Feed Intake Due to Seasonal Stress: Chromium increases feed intake under stress and unfavorable environmental conditions (Al-Saiady et al., 2020; Karimi et al., 2023). Improved intake supports rumen stability and reduces risks of digestive disorders such as inappetence or diarrhea.
• Immune Suppression, Reduced Milk Yield, and Increased Abortions: The combined antioxidant and anti-stress benefits of methionine and chromium enhance immune status and reproductive health. Increased endogenous antioxidant production and reduced chronic inflammation protect reproductive organs and support pregnancy maintenance. Chromium–propylene glycol supplementation has also been shown to improve energy metabolism and fertility parameters in early lactation cows (Mogos et al., 2019). Enhanced metabolic stability may reduce seasonal abortion rates.
Studies—including domestic research on Holstein cows—show that chromium–methionine supplementation increases feed intake during critical periods and, in some cases, improves blood energy parameters such as glucose and insulin (Karimi et al., 2023; Al-Saiady et al., 2020). Methionine consistently reduces inflammatory and acute-phase responses in stressed cattle (Smith et al., 2022; Lopez, 2021). Together, these findings indicate that combined supplementation of organic chromium and methionine can effectively improve metabolic status, enhance immunity, and prevent stress-related seasonal diseases in dairy and beef cattle.