Effects of Dietary Calcium and Zinc on Calcium, Phosphorus and Zinc Retention in Swine

Abstract

An association between high calcium content in swine diets and intensified symptoms of dermatitis was reported by Ellis (1953). Raper and Curtin (1953) found that a zinc-cobalt mixture had protective effects against the condition. High dietary calcium levels without supplemental zinc have resulted in poor weight gains and feed utilization and a high incidence of parakeratosis (Hoekstra, 1955). Definite improvement was noted when additional dietary zinc was provided (Tucker and Salmon, 1955). Low dietary phosphorus did not appear to be responsible for the smaller weight gains of pigs fed high calcium levels, according to data reviewed by Forbes (1960). Cabell and Earle (1965) found no significant difference in the growth rate of rats due to zinc level when dietary calcium and phosphorus were low. High calcium or phosphorus increased the requirement for zinc. Calcium retention increased with the addition of zinc to swine diets, but zinc had no influence on phosphorus retention nor was retention of absorbed zinc affected by increased dietary calcium (Whiting and Bezeau, 1958). Copyright © 1969. American Society of Animal Science. Copyright 1969 by American Society of Animal Science