Abstract
Steamed bonemeal and defluorinated superphosphate were compared as phosphorus supplements for fattening steers. Both proved to be satisfactory supplements when force-fed by mixing with the feed. When fed free-choice, bonemeal was far more palatable than superphosphate, either alone or mixed with salt, anise or licorice. Both minerals were eaten more readily when mixed with salt at the rate of one or two parts mineral to one part salt than when fed alone, but even the bonemeal-salt mixtures fed free-choice were not consumed in sufficient quantities to provide an adequate intake of phosphorus. The addition of anise or licorice at the rate of one ounce to five pounds of mineral did not appear to have any advantage over the mineral-salt mixtures from the standpoint of increasing the rate of mineral intake. The steers which consumed an adequate amount of phosphorus had better appetites, made larger and more economical gains and had a more thrifty appearance than did those on phosphorus-deficient rations. Copyright © . .