The effect of intravenous administration of phosphorus on phosphorus and calcium metabolism in sheep

Abstract

Four Dorset × Merino wethers were given an intravenous infusion of phosphorus at the rate of 1.5 g/day and the phosphorus and calcium balance determined between 5 and 11 days inclusive after the commencement of the infusion. These results were compared with phosphorus and calcium balance measured during a control period. In three of the four sheep the infused phosphorus was recovered in the faeces, but in one animal 0.37 g/day was excreted in the urine. Although the retention of phosphorus and calcium increased marginally during the infusion period, the increase was not significant. The additional phosphorus was therefore quantitatively eliminated from the animal without significantly influe..