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The Phosphorus Requirements of Sheep

University of Idaho

Abstract

1. A phosphorus deficient ration was established for sheep.
   
2. Growth was retarded and the blood phosphorus lowered to an abnormal level (2 to 3 mg/100 cc. blood plasma) when the lambs received from .82 to 1.32 grams of phosphorus per head daily. Phosphorus deficiency was manifested by eating wood shavings, fence posts, feed boxes, and wool. Phosphorus deficient lambs were emaciated, thin and listless.
   
3. Phosphorus deficiency was produced by feeding a ration containing .10 percent phosphorus, which was indicated by the slow gains and low blood phosphorus.
   
4. The addition of .7 percent bonemeal to a ration containing .13 percent phosphorus caused an increase in the average daily gain from .22 to .27 pound and reduced the feed requirements per 100 pounds of gain 15.8 percent.
   
5. Lambs ingesting 2.0 to 2.5 grams of phosphorus daily satisfied their phosphorus requirements as indicated by a normal blood phosphorus, rapid gains, and a healthy appearance.
   
6. An organic source of phosphorus as present in cottonseed meal was not as available to lambs as the inorganic phosphorus in bonemeal.
   
7. These studies indicate that a fattening lamb requires about 2.5 grams of phosphorus daily per 100 pounds of live weight for efficient and rapid gains.