Magnesium Requirement of the Baby Pig

Abstract

The magnesium requirement of baby pigs receiving a purified caseinglucose diet containing 0.8% of Ca, 0.6% of P and 1800 IU of vitamin D₃/kg was studied in two 5-week trials using levels of dietary Mg from 25 to 825 ppm. Pigs receiving less than 125 ppm of Mg exhibited poor growth, poor food utilization, weakened pasterns, stepping syndrome, tetany and death. Pigs receiving 125 ppm of Mg exhibited all of these symptoms except tetany and death. Pigs receiving 225 ppm of Mg or more exhibited no overt symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Serum and bone Mg concentrations were reduced in all pigs receiving 225 ppm or less of dietary Mg. Values of serum Ca and Mg concentration were significantly related. Values of serum and bone Mg concentration were also positively related. A dietary Mg level of 325 ppm was adequate to meet all criteria and under the conditions of this study is judged to be the minimal magnesium requirement of the baby pig.