HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Heinemann, W. W. Articles by Oldfield, J. E. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Heinemann, W. W. Articles by Oldfield, J. E.

The Effects of Phosphate Fertilization of Alfalfa on Growth, Reproduction, and Body Composition of Domestic Rabbits¹

State College of Washington³

Abstract

Domestic rabbits were used to determine effects of alfalfa hay produced on soil with (1) low available phosphorus and (2) high available phosphorus on (a) efficiency of reproduction, (b) growth rate, (c) inorganic phosphorus content of blood serum, (d) breaking strength and calcification of skeletons, and (e) calcium, phosphorus, fat, and total ash of bones. Alfalfa hays containing 0.12% and 0.26% phosphorus were used as 86% of the rations. Differences observed as the result of feeding low phosphorus hay included significantly retarded growth, lower mature body weights, impaired breeding efficiency, significantly higher levels of calcium, phosphorus, fat, and ash in the skeletons of 10-week-old animals and significantly lower levels of ash in skeletons of mature animals, extremely low breaking strength of the humerus, approaching 100% difference in the third and fourth generations, and abnormal bone structure and ossification as revealed by X-ray photographs. There was no change in inorganic phosphorus in the serum. It is concluded that where the phosphorus content of alfalfa hay produced on a soil of low available phosphorus is of the order of 0.12%, it is not adequate for normal rabbit nutrition. Increased skeletal strength, improved breeding efficiency and increased rate of growth can be effected by proper phosphate fertilization of the soil. Results of this study establish that there is a positive soil-plant-animal relationship among (a) the soil on which alfalfa hay was produced for this work, (b) the forage crop produced thereon, and (c) the animal organism.

¹ Scientific Paper No. 1510, Washington Agricultural Experiment Stations, Pullman. Project No. 810. The authors express appreciation to Dr. H. M. Krueger, Physiologist, Oregon State College, for reading the X-ray films.

² Data taken from a Ph.D. thesis submitted to Oregon State College by the senior author.

³ Irrigation Experiment Station, Prosser, and Department of Animal Husbandry, Pullman.