Free and total ion concentrations in pigs digesta

Mineral bioavailability is related to the activity of the free ion or small-ligand metal ion complexes present in gastrointestinal (GI) tract digesta. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish between total ion and free-ion/small-ligand complexes (referred to simply as "free") concentrations. Free and total cation concentration in pig digesta from various GI locations were determined. Free ions were operationally defined as those that passed through a 1,000 molecular weight cutoff filter. To test the effect of dietary supplementation on free ion concentrations, pigs were fed either basal diets of corn bran, corn grits, and soybean meal (10, 67, and 20 weight percent, respectively) or basal diets containing added Ca, Zn, Fe, and Cu. In addition, the Ca and K content of corn bran fragments retrieved from digesta was determined by energy dispersive x-ray analysis to examine whether this dietary fiber preferentially absorbed minerals, thus reducing mineral bioavailability. Free cation concentrations, expressed as a percentage of the total, averaged over all locations for both diets were: Na, 86%; K, 96%;, Ca, 11%; Mg, 40%; Zn, 5%; Fe, 4%; and Cu, 11%. For Ca, Mg, Zn, and Cu, the free:total cation concentration ratios differed (P < .05) between upper and lower GI tract. Mineral supplementation did not alter free:total ratios of any ion in the GI tract. For supplemented diets, mineral concentrations generally were higher throughout the GI tract, as were concentrations of free Ca. Free concentrations of Zn and Cu in the jejunum and ileum were higher (P < .01) with supplemented diets. The calcium content of retrieved corn bran was higher (P < .01) than the initial content. This study suggests that corn bran fed at levels higher than 10% could act directly as a significant mineral sink if fed with pig diets deficient in minerals.