J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1984. 59:125-134.
© 1984 American Society of Animal Science
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Effects of Source and Particle Size on the Biological Availability of Calcium in Calcium Supplements for Growing Pigs1,2,

R. D. Ross3, G. L. Cromwell and T. S. Stahly

University of Kentucky, Lexington 40546

Abstract

Five experiments were conducted to determine the biological availability of the Ca in high-Ca (calcitic) limestone, dolomitic limestone, oyster shell flour, gypsum, marble dust and aragonite for the growing pig, and to determine the influence of particle size of the Ca source on the bioavailability of Ca. A low-Ca, fortified, corn soybean meal basal diet calculated to contain .2% Ca and .6% P was used. This diet was supplemented with 0 or .3% Ca from either CaCO3 precipitate (the standard) or the test source of Ca. Diets were fed on an ad libitum basis to three to eight replicate pens of pigs (one or two/pen) for 35 to 42 d. Average initial weight of the pigs was 15 kg. At the end of each experiment the pigs were killed, the third and fourth metacarpals and metatarsals and the femurs were removed, and breaking strength and ash were determined. The increase in bone strength from feeding the test source of Ca relative to the increase in bone strength from feeding the CaC03 standard was used to calculate the relative availability of Ca in the supplements. The bioavailability of Ca in calcitic limestone (two sources), oyster shell flour, gypsum, marble dust and aragonite was similar, ranging from 93 to 102%. However, the Ca in two sources of dolomitic limestone was less available (51 and 78%) than in the other sources. Particle size of the Ca sources (geometric mean diameter of .10 to .54 mm) did not influence the availability of Ca.

Footnotes

1 Journal Paper No. 83-5-160 of the Kentucky Agr. Exp. Sta., Dept. of Anim. Sci.

2 Supported in part by a grant-in-aid from Iowa Limestone Co., Des Moines, IA 50333.

3 Current address: Marshall Minerals, Inc., 707 Evans St., Marshall, TX 75670.






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Copyright © 1984 by the American Society of Animal Science.