BONEMEAL AND ROCK PHOSPHATE AS SOURCES OF CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS FOR WEANER AND GROWER PIGS.

BONEMEAL AND ROCK PHOSPHATE AS SOURCES OF CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS FOR WEANER AND GROWER PIGS.

Abstract:

Three experiments involving a total of 78 Large White X Hampshire cross-bred pigs were conducted to compare bonemeal and rock phosphate as sources of calcium and phosphorus for weaner and grower pigs. In the first two trials, 48 weaner and 24 grower pigs with average initial weights of 11.85kg and 35.64kg respectively were used in 2 x 3 factorial randomized-block design experiments with two sources of calcium and phosphorus (bonemeal and rock phosphate) and three levels of calcium and phosphorus (low, medium and high). There were no significant (P>.05) differences in performance and serum calcium concentration between pigs fed bonemeal and rock phosphate supplemented diets in both trials. increasing dietary calcium and phosphorus levels did not affect performance in the weaner trial but significantly (P<.05) depressed total weight gain and average daily gain in the grower trial. Serum calcium concentration increased significantly (P<.05) at 18 days in the weaner trial but not in the grower phase while serum inorganic phosphorus concentration increased significantly (p<.05) when dietary calcium and phosphorus increased from low to high in the weaner trial but only from low to medium in the grower trial. Metacarpal bones were significantly (P<.05) longer in pigs fed bonemeal diets while those fed rock phosphate diets had higher values for metacarpal and metatarsal bone diameter. increasing dietary calcium and phosphorus levels significantly (P<.05) reduced metacarpal and metatarsal bone lengths while the medium dietary level of calcium and phosphorus resulted in significantly (P<.05) higher values for ash, calcium and phosphorus content of metacarpals. The third trial was a nutrient balance trial involving six litter-mate weaner barrows averaging 10.52kg used in a randomized-block design to determine the effect of source and dietary levels of calcium and phosphorus on the digestibility and retention of feed nutrients. Source of phosphorus had no effect on nutrient digestibility and retention. Apparent digestibility of dry matter decreased with increasing dietary calcium and phosphorus levels. Pigs fed the high level of calcium and phosphorus had significantly (P<.05) lower dry matter digestibility and retention than those fed the low and medium levels

BONEMEAL AND ROCK PHOSPHATE AS SOURCES OF CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS FOR WEANER AND GROWER PIGS.

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