Mineral Balance Studies with the Baby Pig: Effects of Dietary Vitamin D2 Level upon Calcium, Phosphorus and Magnesium Balance

Abstract

Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium balance studies were conducted with baby pigs receiving a purified casein-glucose diet containing levels of vitamin D₂ of zero, 100, 500 and 1000 IU/kg. Pigs receiving no dietary vitamin D₂ excreted an excessive amount of fecal Ca, P and Mg but a reduced amount of urinary Ca and Mg. Retention of Ca, P and Mg was greatly reduced in vitamin D₂-deficient pigs. A dietary vitamin D₂ level of 100 IU/kg produced a normal Ca, P and Mg balance which was not increased by higher levels of dietary vitamin D₂. Increasing dietary Mg in one trial increased Mg retention in pigs receiving vitamin D₂ but did not affect Ca and P balance.