DIETARY FACTORS INFLUENCING CALCIUM ASSIMILATION

Summary In this paper data are presented on the influence of cerelose (glucose) and mineral acid (HCl) on the absorption of calcium by the milking cow. 1.There was no consistent and favorable influence on calcium assimilation in dairy cows through the daily addition of 3 pounds of cerelose (glucose) to a standard ration of hay, silage, cereal grains, and cereal grain concentrates. 2.The daily ingestion of 115 or 230 cc. of 40 per cent HCl increased the calcium excretion in the urine with a greater net loss of calcium to the animal than when no acid was fed. The calcium absorption from the intestine was slightly improved through the use of mineral acid. 3.What factor in green plant tissue operates in securing for the cow a better utilization of the calcium in the green plant tissue or added calcium salts is not solved by the technique used in the above experiments.