Abstract
Apparent magnesium (Mg) absorption was measured in mature sheep fed hay or vegetative grass, each with and without supplemental glucose (water-soluble carbohydrate). Glucose supplemented in varying levels to hay increased apparent Mg absorption (linear, P less than 0.01) and urinary-Mg output (linear, P less than 0.01). Glucose added to vegetative grass did not change Mg absorption, but plasma-Mg concentrations were higher (P less than 0.05) than controls. Absorption and urinary loss of Mg were positively correlated (P less than 0.01) when hay or grass was fed, with or without glucose. Varying dietary glucose levels in hay or grass did not influence (P greater than 0.05) apparent absorption of calcium (Ca), potassium (K), or phosphorus (P). This study suggests that supplementation with a readily available carbohydrate during periods of dietary Mg deficiency may reduce the rate of plasma-Mg decline characteristic of ruminants grazing spring grass.
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