Mineral content of hay harvested in Bavarian and Swiss horse farms. Predictive value of cutting time,number of cut,botanical composition,origin and fertilization

Hay samples from 29 horse farms in Southern Upper Bavaria and 31 horse farms in Switzerland were taken and analysed for minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. The content of herbs and legumes in the hay was determined and the Weende analysis was performed. Comparison between Bavaria and Switzerland resulted in comparable calcium contents of approximately 4 g Ca/kg dry matter (DM) in grass hay. Hay with more than 10% of herbs and legumes found only in Switzerland showed higher Ca contents of >7 g Ca/kg DM in hay. The mineral contents of phosphorus and potassium were lower in hay from Switzerland (P: 1.8 ± 0.7 g/kg DM, K: 15.4 ± 5.1 g/kg DM) than from Bavaria (P: 3.8 ± 0.6 g/kg DM, K: 20.0 ± 6.0 DM), whereas the magnesium content of the hay showed no difference between the regions (∼1.5 g Mg/kg DM). Very late first grass hay cuts showed low magnesium and calcium (<4 g/kg DM) contents. Further minerals in the hay for horses differed from those in dairy cattle in the same region. Fertilization showed only small effects on the mineral contents of the hay produced for horses. Therefore, in calculation of ration and production of supplements for horses, these differences should be taken into account.     

Effect of dietary calcium level and source on mineral utilisation by piglets fed diets containing exogenous phytase

Calcium and phosphorus are essential minerals, closely linked in digestive processes and metabolism. With widespread use of low P diets containing exogenous phytase, the optimal dietary Ca level was verified. The 40‐day study evaluated the effects of Ca level (4, 7 and 10 g/kg diet) and Ca source (Ca from CaCO₃ and from Lithothamnium calcareum) on mineral utilisation in 72 piglets (7.9 ± 1.0 kg BW) fed an exogenous phytase containing diet with 2.9 g digestible P/kg. Measured parameters were growth performance, stomach mineral solubility, bone breaking strength and urinary, serum and bone mineral concentration. The apparent total tract digestibility of minerals was also assessed in the two diets with 7 g Ca/kg, using 12 additional pigs. Regardless of Ca source, increasing dietary Ca impaired feed conversion ratio, increased urinary pH, increased serum and urinary Ca, decreased serum and urinary P, decreased serum Mg and increased urinary Mg, increased serum AP activity, decreased bone Mg increased bone Zn. Bone breaking strength was improved with 7 compared to 4 g Ca/kg. Compared to CaCO₃, Ca from Lithothamnium calcareum increased serum Mg and with, 10 g Ca/kg, it limited body weight gain. The dose response of Ca in a diet with 2.9 g digestible P/kg and including exogenous phytase indicated that: (i) a low dietary Ca was beneficial for piglet growth, but was limiting the metabolic use of P; (ii) a high dietary Ca level impaired P utilisation; (iii) the optimal P utilisation and bone breaking strength was obtained with a dietary Ca‐to‐digestible P ratio of 2.1 to 2.4:1; (iv). Increasing dietary Ca reduced Mg utilisation, but not Zn status, when fed at adequate level. Finally, Ca from Lithothamnium calcareum had similar effects on Ca and P metabolism as CaCO₃, but impaired growth when fed at the highest inclusion level.     

Effect of dietary citric acid on the performance and mineral metabolism of broiler

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary citric acid (CA) on the performance and mineral metabolism of broiler chicks. A total of 1720 Ross PM3 broiler chicks (days old) were randomly assigned to four groups (430 in each) and reared for a period of 35 days. The diets of groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were supplemented with 0%, 0.25%, 0.75% or 1.25% CA by weight respectively. Feed and faeces samples were collected weekly and analysed for acid insoluble ash, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg). The pH was measured in feed and faeces. At the age of 28 days, 10 birds from each group were slaughtered; tibiae were collected from each bird for the determination of bone mineral density, total ash, Ca, P, Mg and bone‐breaking strength, and blood was collected for the measurement of osteocalcin, serum CrossLaps^®, Ca, P, Mg and 1,25(OH)₂Vit‐D in serum. After finishing the trial on day 37, all chicks were slaughtered by using the approved procedure. Birds that were fed CA diets were heavier (average body weights of 2030, 2079 and 2086 g in the 0.25%, 0.75% and 1.25% CA groups, respectively, relative to the control birds (1986 g). Feed conversion efficiency (weight gain in g per kg of feed intake) was also higher in birds of the CA‐fed groups (582, 595 and 587 g/kg feed intake for 0.25%, 0.75% and 1.25% CA respectively), relative to the control birds (565 g/kg feed intake). The digestibility of Ca, P and Mg increased in the CA‐fed groups, especially for the diets supplemented with 0.25% and 0.75% CA. Support for finding was also indicated in the results of the analysis of the tibia. At slaughter, the birds had higher carcass weights and higher graded carcasses in the groups that were fed the CA diets. The estimated profit margin was highest for birds fed the diet containing 0.25% CA. Birds of the 0.75% CA group were found to have the second highest estimated profit margin. Addition of CA up to a level of 1.25% of the diet increased performance, feed conversion efficiency, carcass weight and carcass quality, but only in numerical terms. The addition of CA up to 0.75% significantly increased the digestibility of macro minerals, bone ash content, bone mineral density and bone strength of the broiler chicks. It may, therefore, be concluded that the addition of 0.75% CA in a standard diet is suitable for growth, carcass traits, macromineral digestibility and bone mineral density of broiler chicks.     

Dietary effects on bone quality and turnover, and Ca and P metabolism in chickens

The responses of skeletal health and blood calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) status to different dietary calcium and available P (avP) contents were examined in 2-week-old chickens. High avP content resulted in more inorganic P (P(i)) and less ionised Ca (Ca(2+)) in the blood. Birds on low Ca and high avP diets showed a higher incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia and hypocalcaemic rickets and were therefore assumed to be hypocalcaemic. However the molar Ca:P ratio in bone was closer to the expected 1.67:1 in diets high in avP. No significant dietary mineral content effect was found on bone mineral content, or breaking strength, within the range of diets used. Results suggest that variations in molar Ca:P ratios in bone have little effect on mechanical competence, and that diets for this strain should be higher in Ca, and could be lower in avP, than current recommendations.     

Influence of dietary calcium and phosphorus content in a fixed ratio on growth and development in Great Danes

OBJECTIVE: To study the musculoskeletal development of Great Dane puppies fed various dietary concentrations of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) in fixed ratio by use of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), determination of serum insulin-like growth factor 1 and parathyroid hormone concentrations, radiography, and blood chemistry analysis results. ANIMALS: 32 purebred Great Dane puppies from 4 litters. PROCEDURE: At weaning, puppies were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 diets. Blood was collected for biochemical analyses and hormone assays, and radiography and DEXA were performed through 18 months of age. Changes in body weight, bone mineral content, fat tissue weight, lean mass, result of serum biochemical analyses, hormonal concentrations, and radius lengths were analyzed through 18 months of age. RESULTS: Bone mineral content of puppies correlated positively with Ca and P content of the diets fed. Significant differences between groups in bone mineral content, lean mass, and body fat were apparent early. The disparity among groups increased until 6 months of age and then declined until body composition was no longer different at 12 months of age. Accretion rates for skeletal mineral content, fat, and lean tissue differed from each other and by diet group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ca and P concentrations in the diet of young Great Dane puppies are rapidly reflected in the bone mineral content of the puppies until 5 to 6 months of age, after which hormonal regulation adjusts absorption and excretion of these minerals. Appropriate Ca and P concentrations in diets are important in young puppies < 6 months of age.     

Effect of pre-calving zeolite, magnesium and phosphorus supplementation on periparturient serum mineral concentrations

The objective of this study was to test whether supplementing dry cow rations with phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) would interfere with the beneficial effect of zeolite supplementation on the periparturient blood calcium (Ca) concentration in dairy cattle. Three groups (A-C) of 10 Danish Jersey cows were each given the following daily supplements from 2 weeks before the expected date of calving until actual calving: group A: zeolite, monoammonium phosphate, standard dry cow mineral and vitamin mix, containing 61g magnesium phosphate; group B: zeolite, standard mineral and vitamin mix without the magnesium phosphate and group C: standard mineral and vitamin mix, monoammonium phosphate. All cows in group B had an apparently less variable serum calcium concentration around calving with no cases of milk fever and no subclinical hypocalcaemia or hypomagnesaemia recorded. In contrast, a parturient drop in blood Ca was seen in group A as well as group C. In group A, one cow was hypocalcaemic at calving, and developed milk fever. In group C, 12 blood samples, representing six cows, were hypocalcaemic, and three of these cows were treated for milk fever. All groups remained normomagnesaemic and there were no significant differences in blood Mg across groups. In conclusion, the combined P and Mg supplementation in addition to zeolite supplementation did not increase the serum Mg level (forage Mg 16.9g/day; 0.21% of DM). Combined P and Mg supplementation reduced the zeolite-induced hypophosphataemia but also reduced the stabilising effect of zeolite on parturient serum Ca.     

Dietary supplementation for Santa Inês hair ewes on pasture at pre- and postpartum periods: dry matter intake,digestibility, milk production,and mineral metabolism

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different levels of dietary supplementation and reproductive stages on dry matter intake, digestibility, milk production, and mineral metabolism in Santa Inês hair ewes. Two dietary supplement levels of 0.5 and 1.5%, based on body weight, were used. A total of 12 hair ewes (six subjected to 0.5 and six subjected to 1.5% of concentrate supplementation based on body weight—BW) of the Santa Inês breed were evaluated in a completely randomized design with fixed effects of supplementation level, period, and its interactions. Dry matter intake, digestibility, milk production, and mineral metabolism (calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type I insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and osteocalcin (OC)) were assessed. Dry matter digestibility was affected by the supplementation level (during both pregnancy and lactation), with higher values in ewes fed at a level of 1.5% of BW. A significant interaction between treatment × reproductive stages was found for the Mg concentration. A period effect (P?<?0.05) on serum concentrations of P, Ca/P, Mg, and IGF-I was observed. Serum P concentrations were influenced (P?<?0.05) by treatments and reproductive stages. There were significant differences in the Ca/P ratio among the reproductive stages. The enzymatic activity of ALP and serum IGFI differed among reproductive stages. Ewes supplemented at a level of 1.5% of BW produced 18.5% more milk than ewes supplemented at a level of 0.5% of BW. The use of 0.5% of body weight in concentrate supplementation is recommended for the reduction of production costs, without having an effect on the mineral metabolism of Santa Inês hair ewes.

     

植酸酶的研究进展

植酸酶是能降解饲料中植酸及其盐的酶。它能提高磷利用率,解除植酸对一些矿物元素如钙、锌、铁、铜等的抗营养效应,不仅对动物具有良好的增重效果,同时可降低动物排泄磷量,有利于环境保护。植酸酶作为饲料添加剂其作用效果受到饲料中钙、磷水平和钙磷比例以及维生素Ｄ含量的影响。植酸酶的运用需要降低饲料中钙、磷水平,维生素Ｄ与植酸酶之间可能存在协同效应。对植酸酶运用的经济分析表明,使用植酸酶能代替饲料中需添加的无机磷。     

Effects of a New Recombinant Phytase on the Performance and Mineral Utilization of Broilers Fed Phosphorus-Deficient Diets

An experiment was conducted with Arbor Acres broiler chickens that were fed 3 experimental diets—a control diet containing an adequate level of available phosphorus (AP) and 2 diets that were deficient in AP but supplemented with phytase at a level of either 500 or 750 phytase units/kg—to assess the effects of a novel microbial phytase supplement in broilers fed AP-deficient diets on growth performance and mineral utilization. Similar average daily gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency (P > 0.05) were obtained among broilers fed different diets. Compared with broilers fed the control diet, broilers fed diets with phytase had greater (P < 0.05) retention of Ca, P, and Zn. Moreover, the levels of Cu, Zn, Mg, and Mn in the tibia bone at 28 d of age, and Zn and Mn at 42 d of age in birds fed diets with phytase exceeded (P < 0.05) those of birds fed the control diet. Supplementation of phytase increased Zn and Mg contents in the plasma at 42 d of age. Birds responded similarly to phytase supplemented at a level of 500 or 750 phytase units/kg in terms of growth performance, mineral retention, and mineral content in the serum and bone. Therefore, with the supplementation of this novel phytase, it is possible to reduce the dietary levels of P and other minerals to below the recommended levels of the Feeding Standard of Chicken in P. R. China (ZB B 43005-86).     

Enzootic calcinosis in sheep: soil-plant-animal relationship.

Chemical compositions of soil, water, feeds, and forages on a farm where sheep were affected with calcinosis (experimental site) and a farm with sheep not affected with calcinosis (control site) were determined. The study lasted 1 year. It was observed that water from the experimental site had higher electrical conductivity and calcium level than from the control site. Higher conductivity indicated greater mineral content in the water. Soil from the experimental site had lower levels of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus and higher content of exchangeable calcium as compared with these values of the control site. Exchangeable Ca:Mg ratio for soil of the experiemntal site was twice greater than that of the control site. Forage plants of the experimental site had lower concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and copper, but higher values of potassium and sulfur. The K:Ca + Mg, K:P, and K:Ca ratios for plants from the experimental site were higher and Ca:P ratio was lower than those of the control site. Analysis of ruminal content of the affected sheep revealed higher K:Ca + Mg, K:P, and Ca:P ratios than those of the control sheep. Due to the close relationship of metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium, evidence of the existance of their imbalances in feeds and forages of the affected farm possibly contributing to the causation of the pathologic calcification of soft tissues of the sheep has been presented.     

西藏那曲地区高寒草地牧草矿物元素动态变化及盈缺分析

测定了那曲地区尼玛县高寒草地不同月份围栏内和围栏外牧草矿物元素（Ca、P、Na、K、Mg、Cu和Zn）含量，并根据元素的吸收率及藏山羊矿物元素需要量，对放牧藏山羊采食牧草中矿物元素的盈缺进行了分析。结果表明：同月份围栏内与围栏外的矿物元素含量差异不显著（P〉0．05），但不同季节的变异很大。夏秋季牧草Ca、P、Na、K、Mg、Cu、Zn的含量（Ca1．25％DM，P0．1419％DM，Na0．06％DM，K1．51％DM，Mg0．28％DM，Cu8．70mg／kg，Zn27．35mg／kg）高于冬春季（Ca0．72％DM，P0．0005％DM，Na0．02％DM，K0．43％DM，Mg0．10％DM，Cu3．02mg／kg，Zn8．49mg／kg）。除Mg和青草期的K能满足藏山羊的需要外，其余元素不能满足藏山羊生长、繁殖和泌乳对矿物元素的需要量。     

Mineral balance in juvenile horses in race training

Twenty-four long yearlings were fed rations containing differing amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium to further elucidate the requirements for these minerals during exercise-induced skeletal modeling and remodeling in juvenile racehorses. The animals were assigned randomly within gender subgroups to 1 of 4 diets. Total collections of feces and urine were performed on days 0, 64, and 128 of the trial for determination of mineral absorption and retention. Horses were maintained in a typical race-training protocol to mimic the nutritional stresses placed on long yearlings during strenuous exercise. Calcium absorption and retention were lower (P < .05) at day 64 than at day 0 and day 128. Also, the efficiency of retaining absorbed calcium was lower at day 64 than at day 0 or day 128. Thus, lower calcium retention at day 64 was due to both reduced absorption and reduced systemic demand. At day 64, calcium absorption and retention were not maximized at calcium intake of 160 mg/kg per day. At day 128, calcium absorption was maximal at a daily intake of 124 mg/kg per day, and retention was maximal at a daily intake of 123 mg/kg per day. These are in excess of current National Research Council (NRC)[1] recommendations by 38% and 36%, respectively. There was no consistent, significant effect of days on trial on phosphorus absorption or retention, which may have been due to inadvertent limited phosphorus intake. The efficiency of phosphorus retention systemically was over 94% to 98%. Phosphorus absorption and retention were not maximized at the highest intake (66 mg/kg/d), which is 32% over current NRC [1] recommendations. Similarly, there was no day effect on the efficiency of magnesium absorption or retention. Urinary excretion of magnesium was highest; thus, systemic efficiency of magnesium retention was lower on days 64 and 128 than on day 0. At day 64, magnesium retention was maximized at a daily intake of 35.6 mg/kg per day, which is 66% over NRC [1] recommendations. However, at day 128, magnesium retention was not maximized even at its highest intake (44 mg/kg/d), which is over 2 times the current NRC [1] recommendations. These data indicate that early race training affects the dietary requirements for calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Introduction

The need for a marketable product at an early age in both competition and in sales places significant pressure on horse owners to start training or conditioning early in a horse's life. Training at an early age may exacerbate physiologic stress on young horses and increase nutritional requirements. The process of bone modeling/remodeling is necessary for the juvenile skeleton to adapt to the stresses of training. The horse must form new bone and remodel existing bone to bear the load being applied. During the demineralization process of bone remodeling, there is an increase in mineral excretion from the degradation of the bone matrix. Nielsen et al[2] reported this demineralization of the third metacarpal in conjunction with the introduction of speed in juvenile horses on a race-training regimen. The lack of time routinely given to the stressed bone of a juvenile horse to model and/or remodel according to the stresses placed upon it can cause serious and career-ending injuries. [3] While injury reduction may be achieved from a delay in the onset of training until the horse is mature, this is not feasible economically. Alterations in existing training methods and increasing physiologic stimulus to the skeleton are approaches being researched to minimize skeletal injuries to young horses.Mineral density increase and size of the third metacarpal would result in larger cortical bone mass, decreased strain on the bone, and decreased susceptibility for injury. Previous work in this area demonstrated that increased calcium and phosphorus intake above NRC[1] recommendations for juvenile horses in training enhanced bone density, but no quantitative estimates of requirements were made. [4] The NRC [1] developed an approximation of the requirements for juvenile horses in training using mineral intakes based on extrapolations from research conducted with sedentary and mature horses. This study was conducted to verify previous findings and to further quantify the dietary requirement for calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium during the bone modeling/remodeling process in juvenile athletic horses. The specific objectives of this study were to determine calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium balances in young horses during race training.

Materials and methods

Management of animals

Twenty-four long-yearling Quarter Horses were grouped according to age and sex, then randomly assigned to the diet treatments as shown in Table 1. Two horses from each group were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 diets with the condition that each treatment group would contain the same number of fillies and geldings. While at the Texas A&M University Horse Center, the horses were vaccinated against eastern and western equine encephalomyelitis, influenza, and tetanus and dewormed. All horses began the trial with a background period of at least 1 week, during which the horses were group-housed at the Texas A&M University Horse Center, fed hay ad lib, and offered concentrate at approximately 1% of body weight twice daily. Regular hoof care and deworming were provided throughout the course of the study. The horses were then moved from the Texas A&M University Horse Center in groups of 8 to Steephollow Farm in Bryan, Texas, a race-training facility, where they were separated and housed individually in 7 × 7-m stalls. The horses were moved to Steephollow Farm in 3 groups of 8 at an average age of 226 days for the group. Rations were formulated based on 60% concentrate and 40% Bermuda grass hay, with varying concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. The concentrate diets were provided by Consolidated Nutrition of Omaha, Nebraska (Table 1). All concentrates were mixed, pelleted, and bagged by Consolidated Nutrition and shipped to the Texas A&M University Horse Center. The horses were fed concentrate and hay at 12-hour intervals (7:00 and 7:00 ) for the duration of the trial. They were given until the next feeding to consume all concentrate and hay, and any feed refused was weighed and recorded. Refusals were very infrequent. Feed intake was adjusted weekly as needed to allow for normal growth and to maintain a body condition score of 5 to 6,[5] while maintaining a constant ratio of 60% concentrate and 40% hay. The protocol for management and treatment of the animals was approved by the Texas A&M University Agricultural Animal Care and Use Committee. Five horses were not able to complete the study because of lameness, injury, or sickness, and data from those horses were not included in the results of the study.     

Mineral requirements of hair sheep in tropical climates

In this study, we evaluated the requirements of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and potassium (K) for sheep hair growth. Experimental diets contained different levels of metabolizable energy [ME; 0.96, 1.28, 1.72, 2.18 and 2.62 Mcal/kg of dry matter, (DM), corresponding to 4.23, 5.64, 7.58, 9.61 and 11.55 MJ/kg DM]. The lambs' hair (n = 48) at 2 months of age presented an average body weight (BW) of 12.05 ± 1.81 kg. At the beginning of the experiment, eight animals were slaughtered as a reference group to estimate the initial empty body weight and body composition. Net mineral requirements (g/day) ranged from 0.73 to 0.71 g of Ca, 0.51 to 0.49 g of P, 0.026 to 0.026 g of Mg, 0.16 to 0.19 g of Na and 0.15 to 0.13 g of K for animals with a BW ranging from 15 to 30 kg and a daily gain of 100 g. The results of this study indicate that the net macromineral requirements for weight gain in Morada Nova lambs are different from the values commonly recommended by the Agricultural and Food Research Council.     

Bone, blood and faecal response to an acidogenic lick for range cattle using different concentrations of ammonium chloride

Thirty Brahman-Angus cross heifers at breeding age on extensive grazing were used to test the effectiveness of NH4Cl as an acidogenic agent at 15,18, 21 and 26 % of a dicalcium phosphate lick (A+), compared to a lick of 5 parts dicalcium phosphate and 3 parts salt (A-). Blood and faecal phosphorus (P), faecal calcium (Ca) and faecal magnesium (Mg) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in A+ compared to A-animals at different stages of the experiment. Bone P did not increase in response to NH4Cl but bone Ca was significantly (P<0.05) higher in A+ animals offered 18% NH4Cl and significantly (P<0.05) lower at 15 and 26%. Bone Mg in A+ animals was significantly (P<0.05) higher at 15 and 18% NH4Cl and lower at 26% NH4Cl compared to A- animals. Percentage ash in bone increased linearly from 62.5 to 64.9% in A+ animals as NH4Cl was increased in the lick from 15 to 21% and then decreased to 63.3% but was significantly (P<0.05) greater than the percentage ash in A-animals when the NH4Cl was increased to 26%. Bone mineral status was only marginally improved by adding NH4Cl to the lick in this study but blood P was significantly (P<0.05) improved in A+ compared to A- animals when the lick contained 15, 21 and 26% NH4Cl. Based on bone mineral results reported here, it is recommended that, when NH4Cl is used as an acidogenic agent in licks for range cattle, the amount in the lick should not exceed 21%.     

Influence of different dietary calcium levels on the digestibility of Ca, Mg and P in Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni)

Calcium and phosphorus are very important minerals in reptile nutrition, but many diets are still not balanced. To achieve optimal growth, including a healthy skeleton and a strong shell, a well-balanced supply with these minerals is prerequisite. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the apparent digestibility in Hermann's tortoises of diets with different calcium levels with special emphasis on the digestibility of minerals. Eight adult Hermann's tortoises of the veterinary faculty in Zurich were used. The animals were housed indoors at a mean temperature between 23 degrees C and 26 degrees C. The animals were fed a diet, which consisted of vegetables, herbs and different supplementation of calcium carbonate. Daily faecal samples of all tortoises were collected from day 8 to day 12. A proximate analysis was performed and the HCl-insoluble ash was used as an indigestible natural indicator (marker) for the determination of the apparent digestibility of minerals. The calcium content of the mixed feedstuffs of diet I was 0.64% on a dry matter basis, and the Ca:P ratio in the food was 3:1. In diet II the Ca content was 1.29% on a dry matter basis, and the Ca:P ratio in the food was 6:1. The digestibility of Ca in diet I was 57%. The other examined minerals, Mg and P, had a digestibility of 46% and 58% respectively. In diet II the digestibility of Ca was 79%, of Mg 52% and of P 52%. The results of this study indicated, that higher Ca concentrations in the diet led to an increased apparent digestibility of Ca and Mg.     

Content and distribution of macro- and micro-elements in the body of pasture-fed young horses

OBJECTIVE: To determine the content and distribution of Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, S, Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn in the body of pasture-fed young horses and then use a factorial model to calculate the dietary mineral requirements for growth. PROCEDURE: Twenty-one foals were killed at about 150 days of age and the organs, soft tissues, skin and bones and a sample of muscle were dissected out and weighted. The mineral concentrations of elements in all soft tissues and bones were measured by inductively coupled emission spectrometry. The total mineral element composition associated with a tissue was determined from the weight of tissue and its mineral element concentration. RESULTS: Expressed as a percent of total body mineral elements, muscle contained 20% Na, 78% K, 32% Mg, 62% Cu, 36% Mn and 57% Zn, bone contained 47% Na, 99% Ca, 81% P, 62% Mg, 30% Mn and 28% Zn while the organs accounted for a smaller percentage ranging from 0.06% for Ca to 26% for Fe. In liver Cu accounted for 9.2% of total body Cu. Each kilogram of empty body weight was associated with 1.0 g Na, 2.5 g K, 17.1 g Ca, 10.1 g P, 0.4 g Mg, 1.1 mg Cu, 0.39 mg Mn, 52.5 mg Fe and 21.4 mg Zn. CONCLUSION: The mineral element content of body weight gain is a component used in the factorial model to determine dietary mineral element requirements for growth. The calculated dietary mineral requirements, expressed per kg dry matter, for a 200 kg horse gaining 1.0 kg/day were 1.0 g Na, 2.1 g K, 4.6 g Ca, 3.5 g P, 0.7 g Mg, 4.5 mg Cu and 25 mg Zn.     

Effects of varying levels of phytase supplementation on dry matter and phosphorus digestibility in horses fed a common textured ration

This study examines the effect of phytase supplementation on dry matter and phosphorus digestibility in mature horses. Four mature sedentary quarter horse geldings were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment. Horses were fed at 2% of the group's average body weight. The experimental diets consisted of textured concentrate of rolled corn, oats, and soybean meal fed in a 50:50 ratio with native prairie grass hay. The treatments were as follows: (1) control (0) with no phytase added to the basal ration, (2) 300 FTU/kg added to the basal ration, (3) 600 FTU/kg added to the basal ration, and (4) 900 FTU/kg added to the basal ration. During the 72-hour collections, total urine and feces were collected. Feed samples were also collect randomly throughout the trial. Feed and fecal sample were analyzed for dry matter, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. Urine samples were analyzed for phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. There was no significance difference in dry matter intake, fecal output, dry matter digestibility, and urinary output across all diets (P > .05). Phosphorus digestibility was not improved with the addition of supplemental phytase (P > .05). The failure to observe an improvement in phosphorus digestibility may be because of the high levels of phosphorus in the diets. Further research needs to be conducted using diets with lower levels of phosphorus.     

Effect of super dosing of phytase on growth performance,ileal digestibility and bone characteristics in broilers fed corn–soya‐based diets

A feeding trial was designed to assess the effect of super dosing of phytase in corn–soya‐based diets of broiler chicken. One hundred and sixty‐eight day‐old broilers were selected and randomly allocated to four dietary treatment groups, with 6 replicates having 7 chicks per treatment group. Two‐phased diets were used. The starter and finisher diet was fed from 0 to 3 weeks and 4 to 5 weeks of age respectively. The dietary treatments were consisted of normal phosphorus (NP) group without any phytase enzyme (4.5 g/kg available/non‐phytin phosphorus (P) during starter and 4.0 g/kg during finisher phase), three low‐phosphorus (LP) groups (3.2 g/kg available/non‐phytin P during starter and 2.8 g/kg during finisher phase) supplemented with phytase at 500, 2500, 5000 FTU/kg diet, respectively, to full fill their phosphorus requirements. The results showed that super doses of phytase (at 2500 FTU and 5000 FTU/kg) on low‐phosphorus diet improved feed intake, body weight gain, ileal digestibility (serine, aspartic acid, calcium, phosphorus), blood P levels and bone minerals such as calcium (Ca), P, magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) content. It could be concluded that super doses of phytase in low‐phosphorus diet were beneficial than the normal standard dose (at 500 FTU/kg) of phytase in diet of broiler chicken.     

Instrumental neutron-activation analysis of canine urinary calculi for some selected elements

Thirty canine urinary calculi, most of which had been qualitatively classified as struvite calculi, were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis at the University of Missouri Research Reactor. Measurements of sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, chloride, potassium, and calcium were possible, using a dual irradiation procedure. Magnesium was used to calculate the percentage of struvite mineral, Mg(NH4) (PO4) X 6H2O, in the calculi by making use of the stoichiometric relationship of the element magnesium to the mineral. For those calculi containing greater than 80% struvite, the mean elemental concentrations were found to be 0.12% Na, 9.35% Mg, 0.0033% Al, 12.1% P, 0.02% Cl, 0.85% K, and 2.05% Ca. A new method for determination of silicon in urinary calculi also was discussed. Two calculi were found to contain 45.0% and 37.3% silicon, and 1 mixed calculus was composed of 1.4% silicon.     

Effects of calcium intake and parity on plasma minerals and bone turnover around parturition

Eight pregnant heifers (primiparous cows) and seven pregnant cows in their second, third and forth pregnancies (multiparous cows) were assigned to two groups and fed either a low calcium (Ca) diet (Ca, 0.46%) or a high Ca diet (Ca, 0.86%) ad libitum from 3 weeks before the expected calving date to 3 days after parturition. All cows were examined for a change in dry matter intake (DMI), plasma minerals and bone turnover around parturition. The dietary Ca level did not affect the DMI in both primiparous and multiparous cows. The DMI of primiparous cows was significantly lower than that of multiparous cows (P < 0.05) in both the low and high dietary Ca groups. The dietary Ca level did not affect the concentrations of plasma Ca, phosphorus, magnesium and parathyroid hormone throughout the experimental period. Plasma phosphorus in primiparous cows was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of multiparous cows around parturition. Plasma Ca and magnesium tended to be higher (P < 0.10) in primiparous cows. The dietary Ca level did not affect the plasma osteocalcin (OC) level measured as bone formation or the urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) excretion measured as bone resorption before parturition in both primiparous and multiparous cows. After parturition, the plasma OC level was lower than it was before parturition in multiparous cows fed a low Ca diet, and in primiparous cows. There were no significant differences in urinary DPD excretion between each group before and after parturition. Both the plasma OC level and urinary DPD excretion of primiparous cows were significantly higher than those of multiparous cows in both the low and high dietary Ca groups.