Evaluation of a bone biopsy technique for determining the calcium and phosphorus status of swine from weaning to market weight.

Abstract

Tibia biopsies were taken from 75 live pigs at 4-wk intervals and from 251 slaughtered pigs to evaluate bone biopsy as a procedure for determining Ca/P status in pigs fed 70, 85, 100, 115 and 130% of the NRC (1979) estimated dietary Ca and P percentage requirements from weaning to market. Least squares means and SE of live and slaughter biopsy wet weight, ash weight and dry, fat-free ash percentage (DFF%) were compared at each time in each trial and found not to differ. Diet and time effects on ash weight, ash percentage of wet weight and DFF% of the biopsy core also did not differ greatly between slaughter and live biopsies and generally responded linearly and quadratically (P less than .01) to increasing Ca/P level and time. Biopsy measures were correlated (P less than .05) with third and fourth metacarpal and metatarsal length, bending and shear stress and DFF%. Means for slaughter biopsy DFF% did not differ greatly from the average of third and fourth metacarpal and metatarsal DFF% from slaughter pigs. Means for live and slaughter biopsy DFF% were lower than those for whole bones for the 70 and 85% NRC estimated Ca/P levels, but not for the 100, 115 and 130% NRC levels. Bone biopsy offers potential as a reliable noninvasive procedure for monitoring Ca/P status of swine from weaning to market, but it needs further study for use in Ca/P research in swine.

Effectiveness of Natuphos phytase in improving the bioavailabilities of phosphorus and other nutrients in soybean meal-based semipurified diets for young pigs.

“…The width of the bones at the narrow and wide dimensions of the bone shaft was measured. Bones were then refrozen in sealed plastic bags for shear force and shear energy determination as described by Combs et al (1991a).…”

“…After the shear failure test, wall thickness was measured using dial calipers after the bones were cut in the middle. Shear stress values were calculated according to the formulas of Combs et al (1991a) for metacarpal and of Wilson (1991) for rib. After the shear test, the bones were oven dried at 100°C for 24 h and ashed in a muffle furnace at 600°C for 24 h. Bone ash was expressed as a percentage of the dry weight.…”

Osteopenic Disease in Growing Pigs: Diagnostic Methods Using Serum and Urine Calcium and Phosphorus Values, Parathormone Assay, and Bone Analysis

“…The percent bone ash at necropsy is used to detect osteopenic disease, although methods are not standardized and reference values are not widely published. A bone biopsy technique has been described experimentally 2 ; however, it is unlikely to be developed for field investigation. Recent work in poultry has shown that bone ash-to-bone weight ratios lack sensitivity to detect osteopenic change because bone weight decreases as bone mineralization decreases, leaving the ratio relatively unchanged.…”

Technique for the Determination of Bone Volume and Specific Gravity

“…Barzel (1969) and Petito and Evans (1984) hydrated chilled and frozen femurs, respectively, of rats for 60 min before weighing them in air and water. Sedlin and Hirsch (1966) (Combs 1989 l.2ll1) when compared with volume and specific gravity that were taken immediately after the bones were taken from the freezer.…”