Calcium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin D Interrelationships in the Nutrition of the Growing Chick

Abstract

THE shortage of animal protein concentrates during the war years and their replacement by vegetable protein supplements containing much less calcium and phosphorus accompanied by a shortage of bone meal made it desirable to further study the interrelationships of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D in chick nutrition.Bethke et al. (1929) and Hart et al. (1930) showed the optimum calcium: phosphorus ratio to be between 3:1 and 4:1 when low levels of vitamin D were fed. When larger amounts of vitamin D were added to the diet, Hart et al. (1930) observed less difference between various calcium: phosphorus ratios and found that lower levels of calcium and phosphorus could be used.Nowatarski and Bird (1943) found that smaller amounts of vitamin D were required when the calcium and phosphorus levels in the diet were increased. Evans and Brant (1945) using turkey poults secured similar results. They reported that lower levels .