Kemin secures US FDA approval for chromium in layer diets

USA – Animal nutrition company Kemin Industries has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to use its chromium propionate feed ingredient in broiler breeder and laying hen diets, expanding its authorised applications across poultry and livestock production.

The approval follows research Kemin conducted to support the FDA Centre for Veterinary Medicine’s review of chromium propionate as an organic chromium source in poultry diets.

The ingredient, marketed as KemTRACE® Chromium, is designed to support glucose utilisation and help animals manage physiological stress. Chromium supports insulin function, which helps regulate glucose metabolism.

Kemin said research trials showed improved egg production in broiler breeders supplemented with chromium propionate during peak production over an 84-day period, with no significant effects on fertility or hatchability.

In laying hens, a 112-day trial found that supplemented birds maintained egg quality and livability during peak production.

The company said the findings support using the ingredient in poultry nutrition, although responses may vary by production conditions and dietary formulations.

Expanded applications in animal nutrition

With the latest approval, the United States has authorised chromium propionate for use in diets for swine, broiler chickens, cattle, horses, growing turkeys, broiler breeders and laying hens.

Kemin said more than 30 years of research has examined chromium propionate supplementation across animal species, including its potential to reduce cortisol responses during stress associated with heat, cold, disease challenges and dietary changes.

Kristi Krafka, vice president of regulatory affairs and quality assurance at Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health North America, said the expanded approval would let the company offer the ingredient to more poultry producers, nutritionists, and veterinarians.

Kemin manufactures the ingredient at its Des Moines, Iowa, facility.

For poultry producers, the approval adds another authorised nutritional tool that could support egg production and bird performance.

Its commercial value will depend on consistent results under farm conditions and the cost-effectiveness of supplementation.

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