Studies of the skeleton of the sheep I. The effect of different levels of dietary calcium during pregnancy and lactation on individual bones

Abstract

1. Three groups of mature ewes were fed during pregnancy and lactation on rations differing in their calcium content. The mean daily intakes of calcium were 1·4 g. (group A), 4·5 g. (group B), and 7·4 g. (group C). Blood samples were analysed monthly for calcium and inorganic phosphorus. The ewes were killed at approximately 100 days after parturition and the skeletons isolated. Individual bones, either whole or divided into definite fractions, were analysed. 2. The level of calcium intake was without effect on the number of lambs born, birth weight, or growth while milk fed. 3. Blood calcium was significantly lower in group A than in groups B and C, but blood inorganic phosphorus was unaltered. 4. The resorption of bone substance was greater in group A than in groups B and C. 5. The severity of resorption varied between bones, and in regions within certain bones. Resorption was most severe in the vertebrae and pelvis, and only slight in the metacarpal, the metatarsal and the shafts of other long bones. Resorption of intermediate magnitude was found for the remainder of the skeleton. 6. Resorption was accompanied by reductions in the percentages of ash in bones, but this effect was proportionately less than the ash weight reduction. 7. Radiological observations made on flesh-free bones at the end of the experiment gave a picture of resorption similar to that presented by the data for ash weights and percentages of ash, namely that resorption was much greater in group A than in groups B and C.