Methods for the diagnosis of phosphorus deficiency in ruminants

Abstract

In the present experiment levels of inorganic phosphorus in feces, plasma, saliva and rumen fluid, and ³²P incorporation by erythrocytes were compared as means for phosphorus deficiency diagnosis in cattle. Ten animals receiving a semipurified diet were divided into two groups, receiving or not phosphorus supplementation. In the experiment a variety of methods were used for phosphorus deficiency diagnosis in cattle. The results show that P deficiency depress the level of inorganic phosphorus in plasma, rumen and feces. The uptake of ³²P by erythrocytes has some value in the detection of such deficiency.