Dietary Carbohydrate Effects upon Magnesium Metabolism in Sheep

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Abstract
Apparent magnesium (Mg) absorption was measured in mature sheep fed hay or vegetative grass, each with and without supplemental glucose (water-soluble carbohydrate). Glucose supplemented in varying levels to hay increased apparent Mg absorption (linear, P<.01) and urinary-Mg output (linear, P<.01). Glucose added to vegetative grass did not change Mg absorption, but plasma-Mg concentrations were higher (P<.05) than controls. Absorption and urinary loss of Mg were positively correlated (P<.01) when hay or grass was fed, with or without glucose. Varying dietary glucose levels in hay or grass did not influence (P>.05) apparent absorption of calcium (Ca), potassium (K), or phosphorus (P). This study suggests that supplementation with a readily available carbohydrate during periods of dietary Mg deficiency may reduce the rate of plasma-Mg decline characteristic of ruminants grazing spring grass. Copyright © 1976. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1976 by American Society of Animal Science.