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Effects of Dietary Calcium, Vitamin D₃, and Corn Supplementation on Growth Performance and Mineral Metabolism in Young Goats Fed Whole Milk Diets^1,2,

Nutritional Physiology Group, Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames 50011
National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010

ABSTRACT

Twenty-four male goats, approximately 2 to 4 wk of age, were allotted to four dietary treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design and were fed a basal milk diet at 12.5% body weight for 20 wk. Vitamin D₃ was added to the milk in two different amounts with and without supplemental CaCO₃. At the end of wk 7, corn was added to all diets at 1% body weight. Over 20 wk, average daily gain was unaltered by addition of Ca or vitamin D₃ to the diet. When corn was added to the diet, gains increased from 48 to 180 g/d. Plasma Ca concentrations were not affected by dietary treatment. Supplemental Ca decreased plasma Mg concentrations. Corn supplementation curtailed a depression in plasma Mg and seemed to prevent a whole milk-induced hypomagnesemia. Fecal excretion of all minerals measured was increased in goats fed supplemental Ca. Dietary Ca increased urinary Ca but decreased urinary Mg. Percentage of apparent absorption of Ca, Mg, and total ash was lower in Ca-supplemented goats, as was apparent retention of Ca and Mg. The physiological responses reported suggest the goat as a potential research model for mineral metabolism studies in other ruminants.

¹ Journal Paper Number J-11608 of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, Ames. Project 2505.

² The research reported herein was supported, in part, by the Moorman Manufacturing Co., Quincy, IL.

³ Iowa State University.

⁴ National Animal Disease Center. E. T. Littledike's present address is National Program Staff, Building 005, Room 206, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center-West, Beltsville, MD 20705.