Studies on the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and zinc by sheep fed on roughage-cereal diets

Abstract

1. Two groups of four 18-month-old ewes fitted with a rumen cannula and re-entrant cannulas in the proximal duodenum were fed on one of two diets based on varying proportions of dried-grass meal, ground straw and barley. 2. The apparent availability, retention and amount of the mineral reaching the proximal duodenum were measured for calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and zinc. Significant differences were found between diets for Ca only. Net absorption of Mg occurred before the proximal duodenum and also, lower down the alimentary tract. Marked increases were observed in the amount of Cu, Zn and P reaching the proximal duodenum relative to that ingested.