Availability of Macroelements from a Concentrate Diet Supplemented with Soybean Meal or Poultry Manure Fed to Sheep

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Abstract
Eight young Merino rams fitted with T-shape cannulas in the duodenum and terminal ileum were allotted to 2 equal groups to study net absorption of C, P and Mg from concentrate diets supplemented by ensiled manure from caged layers or by soybean meal. Mean net absorption (percent of intake) of Ca, P and Mg from manure from caged layers and soybean meal diets were 1.94, 14.8; 55.4, 55.8 and 44.2, 35.0. Irrespective of diet, the small intestine was the major site for Ca and P absorption and the rumen for absorption of Mg. Secretion of P in rumen was 2.31 and 5.34 g/day for manure and soybean meal diets. Manure from caged layers supplies P and Mg for sheep and can supplement deficient diets. Because of low Ca absorption from poultry manure, it appears that for limited inclusion, the extra Ca contributed by manure should not be detrimental.