Serum concentration of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in cattle fed rations containing rape, tyfon and swiss chard
1988
Higgins, T.R. | Daniels, L.B. | Spooner, A.E.
Holstein steers were fed diets consisting of 21 percent of either rape (Brassica napus), tyfon (Brassica rapa), or Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris) plus 79 percent bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay on a dry matter requirement basis. Bermudagrass hay (100 percent of dry matter requirement) was used as the control diet. The steers were adjusted to their respective diets for seven days. Jugular blood was collected beginning on days 8, 10, and 12. Blood serum was analyzed for calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg). Serum concentration of Mg was 19.2% higher in steers fed the rape diet and 11% higher in those fed the tyfon and Swiss chard diets than in steers fed the control diet. Only the tyfon diet increased serum P concentration significantly more than the control diet. Serum Ca levels were not affected by diet. The results indicate that rations containing rape, tyfon, and Swiss chard can increase the concentration of serum Mg in cattle and may be helpful in the prevention of grass tetany.
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