Calcium and Phosphorus Levels Related to the Development of Phosphate Urinary Calculi in Sheep

Abstract

Nine treatment groups of lambs (14 to 16 per treatment) were fed rations containing various levels and ratios of calcium and phosphorus. Data pertaining to urolithiasis were obtained. No urinary calculi were observed in the groups receiving 0.33% of phosphorus in combination with levels of calcium ranging from 0.44 to 0.96%. A 31% incidence of urinary calculi was observed when 0.62% phosphorus and 0.44% calcium were fed. When the phosphorus content of the ration was increased to 0.81%, a 73% incidence of urinary calculi occurred. Increasing the level of calcium in the ration appeared to provide partial protection against the occurrence of urinary calculi in sheep receiving the higher levels of phosphorus. Copyright © 1963. American Society of Animal Science. Copyright 1963 by American Society of Animal Science