Studies of the skeleton of the sheep. IV. The effects and interactions of dietary supplements of calcium, phosphorus, cod-liver oil and energy, as starch, on the skeleton of growing blackface wethers

Abstract

1. A factorial experiment on wether hoggs was carried out to examine the effects on bone growth and composition and on blood composition of four dietary factors. The factors were extra calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and energy in the form of starch, and each was fed in all possible combinations, so that there were sixteen dietary treatment groups in all. Each group consisted of three animals.2. Serum calcium and blood inorganic phosphorus concentrations were determined monthly, and radiographs of most parts of the skeleton were taken at the beginning and end of the experiment. After about 6 months on the experimental diets the animals were killed and the ash weights and percentage of ash of different parts of the skeleton and of the whole skeleton were determined. Live-weight changes and food intakes were also measured.

Influence of phosphorus supplementation on growth and reproductive characteristics of beef cows in the semi-arid bushveld of South Africa

“…This could be attributed to the fact that the T3 group received protein in the winter lick. This finding is in agreement with Benzie et al (1960) and Sykes et al (1973) who both showed that if there are energy and protein deficiencies, bone mineralization may be restricted even though phosphorus intake is adequate. Cohen (1975) also recommended that a protein supplement be given for there to be any significant response to phosphorus supplementation.…”

“…It has been shown that under conditions of energy (Benzie et al, 1960) and protein (Sykes et al, 1973) deficiencies, bone mineralization may be restricted even though phosphorus intake is adequate. This is due to the fact that there is not enough protein and energy available for the formation of organic matrix for normal mineralization (Cohen, 1980).…”

Calcium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium Metabolism

“…Franklin et al (1948) reported that inadequate dietary vitamin D or lack of ultraviolet irradiation caused a drop in serum Ca and Pj levels in the growing sheep in spite of a high dietary intake of Ca and P. Benzie et al (1959) confirmed this observation and showed that the drop in serum Ca was accompanied by skeletal résorption. Rickets in sheep.…”