Effects of phosphorus on the growth and reproduction of goats
Lüdke, H.; Hennig, A.
Monatshefte für Veterinärmedizin 26(23): 890-893
1971
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-9263 PMID: 5149925 Document Number: 38951
Food consumption and weight increase were lower in 12 female goats on a semi-synthetic diet containing only 0.77 g P per kg dry matter or this diet supplemented with 1.83 g P as beta-calcium pyrophosphate than in seven goats fed this diet supplemented with 1.83 g P as tricalcium phosphate or potassium hydrogen phosphate, and clinical P deficiency developed within 4 weeks. Reproductive behaviour was not affected, and all but one became pregnant after service. The P content of hair and ash, P and Ca content of femur and of the whole body of foetuses are tabulated. Beta-calcium pyrophosphate is concluded to be unsuitable as a mineral supplement for ruminants.