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A note on the effects of high levels of dietary calcium, phosphorus and sodium on nutrient utilization by sheep offered a roughage-based diet

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

M. F. J. van Houtert
Affiliation:
Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Nutrition, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
R. A. Leng
Affiliation:
Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Nutrition, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
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Abstract

Castrated male sheep were offered a roughage without (control sheep, no. = 8) or with calcium, phosphorus and sodium (CaPNa sheep, no. = 8; Ca, P and Na intake 34, 10 and 17 g/day per sheep respectively, given twice daily as drench). Food intake and live-weight change were unaffected. Water intake and urine excretion were higher whereas dry-matter apparent digestibility, nitrogen retention and wool growth were lower in the CaPNa sheep. The excretion of allantoin in urine indicated no differences in microbial protein absorption from the gut. There were small differences in the proportions of volatile fatty acids, numbers of protozoa and mineral concentrations in rumen fluid between the sheep in the two groups. Retentions of Ca, P and Na were higher in the CaPNa sheep, whereas retention of potassium was lower.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1991

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