Abstract
The question addressed was whether an anion(chloride)-rich ration raises apparent calcium absorption in dairy cows. In a 24 × 24-day cross-over study with six non-pregnant, non-lactating, multiparous cows, the dietary cation-anion balance [mEq (Na + + K +) − (Cl − + S 2−)] of the anion-rich and control ration were −170 and +276 mEq/kg dry matter. The two rations essentially differed with regard to their chloride contents. The anion-rich ration significantly reduced the blood base excess, caused a drop in urinary pH from 8.68 to 7.97, and significantly raised the urinary excretion of calcium from 0.8 to 11.6% of intake and the percentage apparent absorption of calcium from 3.4 to 9.5%. The raised absorption of calcium after feeding the anion-rich ration accounted for approximately 60% of the elevated urinary excretions of this mineral. The urinary output of hydroxyproline and the activity in plasma of alkaline phosphatase were unchanged by the anion-rich ration, suggesting that the extra urinary calcium did not originate from an increased bone resorption.
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