Effects of trivalent and hexavalent dietary chromium on blood biochemical profile in Japanese quails
Trivalent chromium is an essential trace element for humans and animals and it is the final product of hexavalent chromium reduction in the cell. It is an integral part of the glucose-tolerance factor, which increases the systemic impact of insulin. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of trivalent and hexavalent chromium on selected biochemical parameters in Japanese quails. Birds were divided into three groups: group I (control group, n=12), group II (treated with trivalent chromium, n=12) and group III (treated with hexavalent chromium, n=12). During 20 days of follow-up, control and experimental groups of quails had identical diet; chromium was added daily into the food (5 mg/kg) and water (5 mg/L) of the experimental groups. Glucose concentrations were the highest in Group III, while lowest glucose concentrations were obtained in Group I. There were higher differencies regarding blood biochemical parameters between control group and quails treated with Cr(VI). Our results showed that hexavalent chromium had negative effects on biochemical parameters in quails, while treatment with Cr(III) showed minor fluctuations in concentrations or activities of blood biochemical parameters.