Magnesium Balance Study in Pigs Three to Five Weeks of Age

Abstract

Magnesium balance, weight gain, food efficiency and serum magnesium were observed in 30 pigs. Five groups each of six pigs were fed one of the following dietary concentrations of magnesium: 0.7, 3.0, 20, 22, and 47 mg. per 100 gm. of ration. Signs of magnesium deficiency which developed in pigs fed 0.7 and 3.0 mg. per 100 gm. of ration and the syndrome were described. The serum magnesium was shown to be a non-linear function of dietary magnesium concentration. Retention of magnesium over a 7-day period was shown to increase linearly with increasing magnesium intake. On the basis of balance studies, 40 mg. of magnesium per 100 gm. of ration is recommended as the dietary concentration which will maintain body concentrations of magnesium compatible with health of pigs 3 to 6 weeks of age.