The Influence of some Commonly used Salt Mixtures upon Growth and Bone Development of the Albino Rat

Abstract

Four common salt mixtures, the Osborne and Mendel, McCollum's 185, Steenbock's 40, and Sure's modification of the Steenbock 32 salts have been compared. As judged by rate of growth from 60 to 200 gm., and percentage of ash in the dry fat-free bones, the four mixtures are not interchangeable at any of eight levels studied. In spite of more rapid growth, higher bone ash was in general attained with the Osborne and Mendel salt mixture. Evidence is presented to show that, if adequate calcium is supplied, many other constituents can probably be furnished in amounts considerably below those ordinarily used.