Studies in the absorption and excretion of certain minerals by poultry. I. The excretion of calcium, phosphorus, carbonate and chloride by hens, with special reference to variations during the day, and in relation to oviposition

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Abstract
1. An experiment was performed to obtain information on the fluctuations in excretion of calcium, carbonate, phosphorus and chloride within the day. 2. It was found that there was a lower excretion of calcium and carbonate in the 12 midnight–8 a.m. subperiod than in the 8 a.m.–4 p.m. and 4 p.m.–12 midnight subperiods. Phosphorus showed a much smaller variation, whilst chloride gave inconsistent results. 3. When eggs were laid there was a distinct increase in phosphorus and chloride excretion and a fall in calcium and carbonate excretion. These changes, although related in time to each other, were not clearly related to the time of oviposition. Thin-shelled eggs did not give the same results, much smaller changes being observed. 4. When changes were made in the amount of calcium carbonate added to the basal ration the effect on the composition of the excreta was noted within 4 hr., the full effect showing itself within 16 hr. 5. The significance of these results in relation to egg-shell formation is discussed.

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