Calcium, Strontium and Phosphorus Utilization by Chicks as Influenced by Nutritional and Endocrine Variations

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Abstract
The effects of vitamin D, various energy sources, and hormone treatments on tibia deposition of orally and intramuscularly administered Ca45, Sr89, and P32, on serum calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase, and on growth and calcification were investigated, using chicks. Vitamin D at 550 ICU/kg diet resulted in increased calcium and strontium absorption and phosphorus retention when compared with suboptimal vitamin D levels. A tenfold increase in vitamin D to 5500 ICU/kg decreased Ca and Sr absorption and phosphorus retention. Cortisol decreased absorption of calcium and retention of strontium at all vitamin D levels. Estrogen reduced serum phosphorus and retention of calcium, strontium, and phosphorus. Lactose at 20% of the diet increased bone ash. Stearic acid at 10% decreased weight gains, bone ash, calcium absorption, and phosphorus retention.