Calcium and Phosphorus Requirements of Young Pigs Reared under Controlled Environmental Conditions

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Abstract
One hundred and twenty pigs, reared under strict environmental conditions from birth to 3 weeks of age, were used to evaluate semi-purified diets containing 0.27, 0.57, 0.95 and 1.25% calcium and 0.14, 0.44, 0.73 and 1.05% phosphorus, respectively, in Experiment 1 and 0.37, 0.57, 0.78 and 0.95% calcium and 0.28, 0.44, 0.61 and 0.73% phosphorus, respectively in Experiment 2. Growth rates were increased linearly as the dietary levels of calcium and phosphorus were increased. The diets containing 0.95% calcium and 0.73% phosphorus supported the greatest gain and feed efficiency in both experiments. Serum phosphorus concentration was directly related to dietary calcium and phosphorus levels, while serum alkaline phosphatase was elevated in pigs receiving 0.27% calcium and 0.14% phosphorus. Optimal skeletal development, as measured by bone weights, diameter, ash, calcium and phosphorus content, occurred in pigs receiving 0.95% calcium and 0.73% phosphorus. Specific gravity was directly related to dietary calcium and phosphorus. Under the pathogen-free conditions of this study, a dietary level of 0.95% calcium and 0.73% phosphorus was required for optimum bone mineralization and growth rates. No atrophic rhinitis was evident in any of the nasal turbinates examined. Copyright © 1972. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1972 by American Society of Animal Science.

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