See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/324683809

The Net Mineral Requirement for Maintenance and Growth of Dorper x Hu

Ewe Lambs

Article in Pakistan journal of zoology · April 2018

DOI: 10.17582/journal.pjz/2018.50.3.1017.1027

CITATION READS

1 33

5 authors, including:

Feng Wang
Nanjing Agricultural University
52 PUBLICATIONS 283 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Epigenetic View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Feng Wang on 10 February 2020.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Pakistan J. Zool., vol. 50(3), pp 1017-1027, 2018. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.pjz/2018.50.3.1017.1027

The Net Mineral Requirement for Maintenance

and Growth of Dorper × Hu Ewe Lambs
Hao Zhang,1,2,3,* Hai Tao Nie,3 Tie Wei Ma,3 Zi Yu Wang3 and Feng Wang3
1
Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of
Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, P.R. China
2
Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety,
Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, P.R. China
3
Jiangsu Engineering Technology Research Center of Mutton Sheep and Goat Industry,
Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, P.R. China

Article Information
ABSTRACT Received 26 October 2017
Revised 01 December 2017
A comparative slaughter trial was conducted to estimate the mineral concentrations and distributions Accepted 12 December 2017
in the main body tissues and the net requirements for maintenance and growth of F1 Dorper × Hu ewe Available online 20 April 2018
lambs. Thirty-five ewe lambs averaging 33.52±0.56 kg body weight (BW) were used. Seven ewe lambs
were randomly chosen and slaughtered at 34.93 ± 0.37 kg BW as the baseline group for measuring initial Authors’ Contribution
body composition. Another seven lambs were also randomly chosen and offered a pelleted mixed diet HZ and HN designed the study,
(approximately concentrate : roughage = 60 : 40, DM basis) for ad libitum intake and slaughtered at interpreted the data and wrote the
article. FW was involved in study
41.73 ± 0.53 kg BW. The remaining lambs (n = 21) were allocated randomly on d 0 to 3 treatment intake
design. ZW executed the experimental
levels (treatments were ad libitum or restricted to 70 or 40% of the ad libitum intake) within 7 slaughter work.
groups. A slaughter group contained 1 lamb from each treatment, and lambs were slaughtered when the
ad libitum treatment lamb reached approximately 50 kg BW. Non-carcass components (head + feet, hide, Key words
internal organs + blood) and empty bodies of the lambs were weighed, ground, mixed, and subsampled Ewe lambs, Macrominerals,
for chemical analyses. The Ca, P, Na, and Mg were mainly distributed in bone, except for K, which was Micronutrients, Live weight gain.
mainly distributed in the muscle tissues. The net macromineral requirements for maintenance were 20.20
mg Ca, 13.50 mg P, 3.80 mg Na, 7.91 mg K, and 1.10 mg Mg/kg empty body weight (EBW) for ewes. The
net requirements for growth ranged from 11.79 to 12.06 g Ca, 6.04 to 6.16 g P, 1.66 to 1.74 g K, 0.40 to
0.42 g Mg, and 0.98 to 0.95 g Na /kg of EBW gain (EBWG) for ewes from 35 to 50 kg BW. These results
for the mineral requirements may help to formulate more balanced diets for F1 Dorper × Hu ewe lambs in
the growth phase of 35 to 50 kg BW.

INTRODUCTION dominant crossbreeds for lamb meat production in China

(Zhang et al., 2015, 2017, 2018).

T he Hu sheep is an indigenous Chinese sheep breed

with remarkable precociousness and prolificacy (Yue,
1996). The Dorper sheep is well known for its hardiness,
Macromineral requirements have received
consideration because any excess or deficiency in one
element interferes in the utilization of another, resulting
early maturity, and rapid growth (Cloete et al., 2000) and in impaired health, productivity and even survival.
has recently been used as a meat sire breed to improve the Furthermore, accurate prediction of macromineral
growth performance and carcass traits of Hu sheep. The requirements might minimize their excretion and
Dorper sheep originated in South Africa and is characterized reduce environmental pollution (Chizzotti et al., 2009;
by hardiness, early maturity, and rapid growth (Cloete et Abdelrahman et al., 2017).
al., 2000). The Hu sheep is a Chinese indigenous breed The breed or genotype of an animal affects its
that is well adapted to the ecological conditions of high energy and protein requirements (Sahlu et al., 2004), and
temperature and high humidity areas of China and is therefore, it is expected that macromineral concentrations,
noted for its beautiful lamb skin, precociousness and body distribution and requirements are also affected. The
prolificacy (Yue 1996; Zhang et al., 2016). The Dorper estimation of the macromineral requirements of growing
× Hu crossbred sheep has, therefore, become one of the sheep necessitates a greater understanding of macromineral
deposition in the body.
* Corresponding author: [email protected] Comparative slaughter trials (CST) are commonly
0030-9923/2018/0003-1017 $ 9.00/0 used to estimate the protein, energy, macromineral, and
Copyright 2018 Zoological Society of Pakistan micromineral requirements of animals (Chizzotti et al.,
1018 H. Zhang et al.

2007; Fernandes et al., 2012; Souza et al., 2013). Our AL, 70% of AL, and 40% of AL, which were expected
objective for this study was to use CST to establish net to yield BW gains of approximately 300, 200, and 0 g/d,
macromineral requirements for maintenance and growth of respectively, according to NRC (2007). The lambs were
F1 Dorper × Hu ewe lambs by determining macromineral pair fed in 7 slaughter groups, with each group consisting
concentrations and distribution in the main body tissues. of 1 lamb from each dietary treatment. All lambs within
a slaughter group were slaughtered when the lamb that
MATERIALS AND METHODS was fed ad libitum reached approximately 50 kg BW. The
entire experiment lasted approximately 60 d.
The experiment was conducted at the Haimen Animals were fed once daily at 0800 h and had free
Experimental Station of Nantong, Nantong City, Jiangsu access to clean water. The amount of feed offered to the AL
Province of China. During the research period, a heated group was adjusted daily in the morning to ensure a 10%
indoor facility was used to keep the temperature within refusal based on the DM intake (DMI) of the previous day.
the range of 15.50 ± 1.32 - 26.54 ± 1.61°C. The average The amount of feed offered to the restricted feed intake
relative humidity was 61.25 ± 2.76 %. All trials were groups was also calculated daily, based on the DMI of the
conducted in accordance with the Guidelines for the Care AL group from the previous day. Individual samples of the
and Use of Animals in the College of Animal Science feed offered and orts (approximately 10% of total) were
and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University (SYXK collected daily and frozen (-20°C). Feed offered and orts
2011- 0036). were sampled to estimate the daily intake of minerals for
each animal. These samples were eventually oven-dried at
Animals and management 55°C for 72 h, ground to pass through a 1-mm screen using
In this study, thirty-five ewe lambs of F1 crosses a Willey mill (Arthur H. Thomas, Philadelphia, PA), and
of purebred Dorper and Hu sheep were weaned at stored until analyses.
approximately 90 d of age and offered the diet for ad
libitum consumption until the start of the trial when they Table I.- Ingredient and nutrient composition of the
had an initial BW of 33.52 ± 0.56 kg and 132 ± 4.15 d
experimental diets on a DM basis.
old. From weaning to experiment, the diet was a pelleted
mixture based on cracked corn, soybean meal, and wildrye Item Value
hay (Leymus chinensis), with a concentrate:roughage ratio Ingredients (g kg−1)
of 44:56 (DM basis). All of the animals were allocated at
Corn 414.4
the same facility from the same farm and previously raised
together. Prior to d 1 of the experiment, all animals were Soybean meal 193.3
allowed ad libitum (AL) access to the experimental diet Soybean straw 381.1
for a 10 d adaptation period. Thereafter, all lambs were Anhydrous calcium phosphate 3.8
drenched with 0.20 mg ivermectin per kg of BW, and Limestone 2.3
confined in individual stainless steel pens (3.20 by 0.80 Sodium chloride 4
m). Each pen was equipped with feeders and automatic
Premix1
1.1
water suppliers. The experimental diet was fed as a
Nutrient composition (analyzed)2
pelleted mixed diet composed of corn, soybean meal, and
soybean straw, with approximately concentrate : roughage CP (g kg−1) 171.7
ratio of 60 : 40 on a dry matter (DM) basis (Table I). The ME (MJ kg−1)3 9.77
choice of a pelleted diet was to prevent possible selectivity Ether extract (g kg−1) 22.6
and waste and to facilitate more accurate measurements of NDF (g kg−1) 456.5
feed intake. ADF (g kg−1) 231.8
Following the 10 d adaptation period, seven ewe Ca (g kg−1) 6.8
lambs at 34.85 ± 0.37 kg BW and approximately 142 d P (g kg−1) 3.2
old were randomly selected for slaughter as the baseline Na (g kg−1) 3.0
group (BL) for measuring initial body composition.
K (g kg−1) 8.7
Another seven randomly selected ewe lambs were fed
Mg (g kg−1) 2.2
AL and slaughtered as an intermediate slaughter group
(IM), which was carried out at approximately 168 d old 1
The premix provided the following nutrients per kg of the diet: 15,000
when they reached 41.73 ± 0.53 kg of BW. On d 0 of the IU VA, 5,000 IU VD, 50 mg VE, 32 g Na, 92 g K, 23 g Mg, 90 mg Fe,
12.5 mg Cu, 50 mg Mn, 100 mg Zn, 0.3 mg Se, 0.8 mg I, and 0.5 mg Co.
evaluation of treatments, the remaining 21 ewe lambs were 2
Nutrient levels are analyzed values. 3Energy value estimated according
randomly allocated to three diet regimens (treatments): to Deng et al. (2012).
1019 Net Mineral Requirement for Maintenance and Growth of Lambs 1019

Slaughter procedure of the sample: 1 mL/min, with the emission wavelength

The day before slaughter, body weight of lambs in all specific for each element. For calcium two lines were
groups was measured at 1600 h. Lambs were slaughtered chosen. As the concentration of potassium was too high
by exsanguination after stunning by CO2 inhalation. Blood in the undiluted samples of muscle tissue they had to be
was collected and weighed. Mass of the viscera, hide, wool, diluted individually (up to 1:100) and measured using an
head, feet, carcass and adipose tissues removed from the atomic absorption spectroscope [Unicam PU 9400 (now:
internal organs were recorded. The gastrointestinal tract Thermo Electron GmbH), measuring principle: flames
(rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum, and small and photometric, potassium-hollow-cathode-lamp; burner:
large intestines) was removed and weighed before and after 50 mm; flame: air-acetylene; wavelength: 766.5 nm; gap
their contents were removed in order to obtain the empty width: 0.5 nm; lamp current: 8 mA] (Bellof et al., 2006;
body weight (EBW), which was determined by subtracting Bellof and Pallauf, 2007).
the mass of the content of the gastrointestinal tract (CGIT) Body components (bone, muscle, hide, viscera, fat,
and the bladder from the BW. All body components were and fleece): a 100 g subsample from each initial sample
initially frozen at -6°C, then cut with a stainless steel with the exception of the wool was lyophilized (Galvani
band saw, ground, and homogenized, and 500 g samples et al., 2009) for 72 h to determine DM content, and then
were collected for chemical analysis. These samples were all the subsamples including the wool were analyzed for
thawed, and 100 g sub-samples were lyophilized for 72 h macromineral elements (Ca, P, Na, K and Mg) as described
and then ground in a stainless steel blender. The collection above.
of samples followed the procedures described by Galvani
et al. (2008) and (2009), with minor modifications. In Data calculation and analyses
brief, carcasses and heads were split at dorsal midline. Prediction of the initial body macro mineral content
The right-half carcass, the right-half head, and the right The body macro mineral content was calculated
anterior and posterior feet were dissected into muscle, as the sum of the content of all body components. The
bone, and fat. The bone was ground with a bone miller initial body macro minerals content of each animal in the
(ModelSGJ-3600, Langfang Huiyong Machinery Plant, intermediate and final slaughter groups was calculated
Hebei, China) through an 8-mm screen and homogenized using a regression equation developed for the relationship
by three additional passes through the miller before a 500 between the body macro mineral content and EBW of
g sample was taken for each animal and stored at -20°C. baseline animals (Fernandes et al., 2007). The initial EBW
The muscle and fat were cut separately into small pieces, of ewe lambs was computed from the BW (Eq. 1):
fully ground with an electrical screw grinder (Model-12, EBW (kg)= a + [b × (BW, kg)]…….(1)
Shanghai Xinmai Machinery Plant, Shanghai, China)
through a 4-mm screen, and homogenized before a 500 Macromineral concentrations and distributions
g sample was taken for each animal and stored at -20°C. The average macromineral concentration and
distribution in carcass tissues were computed from the
Chemical analyses average values of all treatments with different intake
Feeds, orts and water samples: the DM content of levels and growth stages of 35-50 kg Dorper × Hu lambs
feeds and orts was determined by drying at 135°C for (Zhang et al., 2015).
2 h (AOAC, 1990; method number 930.15). Ash was
determined by complete combustion in a muffle furnace Macromineral requirements for maintenance
at 600°C for 4 h (Myers and Beede, 2009). The ash was Maintenance requirements were calculated using
dissolved in 3 mol/L HNO3 suprapur and heated for 10 min the comparative slaughter technique (CST; Lofgreen and
in a water bath. Afterwards, the ash solution was filtered into Garrett, 1968). Retained macromineral was calculated
a measuring flask with hot bi-distilled water. The residue on as the difference between final and initial body mineral
the filter underwent further ashing (450°C) for another 12 content of each animal from intermediate and final
h and was filtered again. The final acid concentration in the slaughter groups, and the total macromineral element
solution was 0.3 mol/L HNO3. The concentrations of Ca, P, losses were calculated as the difference between intake
Na, K and Mg in feeds, orts and water were measured by and retained macromineral elements. A linear regression
inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry of daily macrominerals retained (mg/kg of EBW)
(ICP-AES) by Unicam PU701 (now: Thermo Electron on macrominerals intake (MI) (mg/kg of EBW) was
GmbH, Dreieich, Germany), power: 1000W, plasma: developed to predict their net requirement for maintenance
radial observation, sprayer: Hildebrand-Grid, sprayer by extrapolating the linear regression until MI = 0.
pressure: 34–40 p.s.i., argon-cooling gas: 11 L/min, flow The intercept of this regression represented inevitable
1020 H. Zhang et al.

macromineral losses equivalent to the net requirement for Statistical analysis

maintenance (mg/kg EBW·d-1). The data were analyzed as a completely randomized
design using SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). The linear
Macromineral requirements for growth regressions analyses were conducted with PROC REG.
Body composition was predicted via a logarithmized The analysis of DMI, CP intake (CPI), and ME intake
allometric equation of the quantity of the macrominerals (MEI), body composition, ADG, and EBW were performed
that were present in the empty body (g) as a function of the using PROC MIXED for the different feeding levels.
EBW (kg), as per ARC (1980). Residuals plotted against the predicted values were used to
check the assumptions of the model for homoscedasticity,
Equation: Log y=a + [b × log x], [2]
independency, and normality of the errors. A data point was
where log y is the logarithm of the total amount of deemed to be an outlier and removed from the database if
macrominerals of the empty body (g), a is the intercept, and only if the Studentized residual was outside the ±2.5
b is the coefficient of the regression of the macromineral range values. The comparison of the means was performed
content as a function of the EBW, and log x is logarithm using the Duncan test at P = 0.05.
EBW (kg). Eq. [3] was differentiated to compute the
estimates of the composition of the gain at various EBWs. RESULTS
Eq. [3]: y’= b×10a × EBW(b−1)
Growth performance and body macromineral composition
where y’ is the nutrient per unit of empty weight As described in Table II, DMI, CPI, MEI, EBW, ADG
gain (in g/kg of gain), EBW is in kilograms, a and b are and EBW gain (EBWG) increased as intake level increased
coefficients determined from a linear regression Eq. [2]. To (P < 0.05). The Ca, P, Na, K and Mg concentrations
estimate the net macromineral requirements for BW gain, decreased as intake level increased (P < 0.05) (Table II).
the values of body composition of gain were divided by the
BW to EBW ratio factor. The lambs fed at restricted levels Macromineral content in body tissues and empty body
of intake were not included in the prediction equation due The Ca, P and Mg concentrations were greater (P
to their growth pattern differing from those fed ad libitum. < 0.05) in bone, Na concentration was higher (P < 0.05)

Table II.- Performance and body macromineral concentrations of Dorper×Hu ewe lambs throughout different
growing periods and subjected to 3 levels of feed intake.

Item Treatments SEM P-value

BL IM AL 70% AL 40% AL
n 7 7 7 7 7 – –
DMI (kg/d) – 1.69 1.76 a
1.24 b
0.75 c
0.05 0.0146
CPI (kg/d) – 0.25 0.30a 0.21b 0.13c 0.04 0.03
MEI (MJ/d) – 15.53 17.20 a
12.12 b
7.33 c
4.25 0.02
BW (kg) 34.85 41.47 48.38 a
43.23 b
35.67 c
0.71 <0.0001
EBW (kg) 29.41 34.56 40.25a 36.18b 31.17c 0.63 <0.0001
ADG (g/d) – 237.50 220.61 a
160.45 b
13.44 c
21.14 <0.0001
EBWG (g/d) – 183.94 177.71 a
110.99 b
28.85 c
16.45 <0.0001
Ca (g/kg of EBW) 10.92 11.12 11.23c 11.39b 11.72a 1.13 0.03
P (g/kg of EBW) 5.69 5.81 5.80 b
5.89 a
5.90 a
0.64 0.04
Na (g/kg of EBW) 1.10 1.09 1.06 c
1.08 b
1.11 a
0.31 0.02
K (g/kg of EBW) 1.45 1.50 1.51c 1.53b 1.55a 0.25 0.03
Mg (g/kg of EBW) 0.35 0.36 0.37 b
0.38 b
0.41 a
0.12 0.03
DMI, dry matter intake; CPI, crude protein intake; MEI, metabolic energy intake; BW, body weight; EBW, empty body weight; ADG, average daily gain;
EBWG, empty body weight gain; BL, initial slaughter group; IM, middle slaughter group; AL, ad libitum. Ad libitum (AL) or restricted to 70 or 40%
of the ad libitum intake. Animals of each group were slaughtered when the ad libitum lambs reached 50 kg. a,b,c Within a row, means without a common
superscript letter differ (P < 0.05). Comparisons were made only among feeding levels.
 1021 Net Mineral Requirement for Maintenance and Growth of Lambs 1021

Table III.- Macromineral concentrations in the body tissues (g kg−1) and the distribution (%) in the body of Dorper
× Hu ewe lambs on a DM basis.

Item Bone Muscle Hide Viscera1 Fat Fleece SEM P-value

Concentration (g kg ) −1

Ca 120.45a 0.39e 0.59d 0.92c 0.19f 1.18b 3.24 <0.001

P 71.78a 6.89b 2.79c 6.65b 0.83d 0.49e 1.89 <0.001
Na 5.98 c
2.12 d
6.97b
7.74a
1.35 e
2.68d
0.71 0.006
K 1.64e 11.09c 15.89b 9.12d 1.32e 23.89a 1.03 <0.001
Mg 2.98a 0.86b 0.38d 0.37d 0.08e 0.51c 0.05 0.008
Distribution (%)
Ca 98.78a 0.45b 0.10d 0.29c 0.04e 0.34bc 0.89 <0.001
P 82.89 a
10.78 b
1.47d
3.78c
0.76 e
0.32 f
0.93 <0.001
Na 43.96a 20.10b 10.72c 17.67b 4.08d 3.47d 1.02 <0.001
K 7.02d 37.42a 13.28c 12.33c 3.56e 26.39b 2.31 <0.001
Mg 65.19a 19.54b 4.57c 3.61d 3.30d 3.79d 1.96 <0.001
1
Viscera includes blood. a,b,c,d,e,f
Within a row, means without a common superscript letter differ (P < 0.05).

Table IV.- Macromineral element intake and retention than other body tissues (Table III). The main percentages
[mg/(kg EBW/d)] of Dorper × Hu ewe lambs fed 3 of Ca, P, Na, and Mg are in bone tissue. Bone tissue has
levels of feed intake using the comparative slaughter more than 98%, 82%, 43% and 65% of the total Ca, P, Na,
technique. and Mg, respectively, in the empty body. The main pool of
K is muscle tissue, which has more than 37% of the total
Item Feed intake level1 SEM P-value K in the empty body.
AL 70% AL 40% AL
Macromineral intake and retention
Ca
The results of macromineral intake and retention
Intake 295.32a 230.01b 163.63c 15.15 0.001 of Dorper×Hu crossbred ewe lambs fed different intake
Retention 50.11 a
35.63 b
18.67 c
4.24 0.04 levels are given in Table IV. Mineral retention of Ca, P, Na,
P and K were increased (P < 0.05) as intake level increased.
Intake 143.31a 111.65b 79.45c 10.23 0.001 The Mg retention was greater (P < 0.05) in animals fed ad
libitum compared with those fed at 40% feed, but they did
Retention 27.71a 20.12b 9.12c 6.32 0.03
not differ from animals fed at 70% intake (P > 0.05).
Na
Intake 134.61a 106.52b 75.92c 11.3 0.001 Estimates of macromineral element net requirements for
Retention 4.11 a
3.15 b
0.62c
1.5 0.04 maintenance
K The retained macromineral element was highly
Intake 382.21a 302.47b 215.49c 17.4 0.001
correlated with macromineral element intake (Table
V). Therefore, a linear relationship between retained
Retention 7.21 a
4.74 b
0.92c
2.4 0.001
macromineral element and macromineral element intake
Mg was found. Theoretically, a lamb with a macromineral
Intake 95.51a 75.68ab 53.96b 8.2 0.03 element intake of 0 mg/kg EBW per day is expected to
Retention 1.72a 1.58ab 1.46b 0.3 0.03 retain macromineral element, which represented the
macromineral element requirement for maintenance.
1
Ad libitum (AL) or restricted to 70 or 40% of the ad libitum intake.
Animals of each group were slaughtered when the ad libitum lambs
reached 50 kg. a,b,c Within a row, means without a common superscript Estimates of macromineral elements body composition
letter differ (P < 0.05). and net requirements for growth
Initial EBW of each animal of ewes was computed from
in viscera (blood included), hide, and bone, and K concen- initial BW (r2 = 0.91, RMSE = 0.92, n=7, P < 0.001): EBW,
tration was higher (P < 0.05) in fleece, hide, and muscle kg= 1.5123 ± 0.312 + 0.7984 ± 0.02 × BW, kg (Table VI).
 1022 H. Zhang et al.

Table V.- Regression equations to estimate the net maintenance requirements of macrominerals of Dorper × Hu
crossbred ewe lambs using the comparative slaughter technique.

Item Regression equations1 R2 RMSE2 P-Value Net req3 Net req

[mg/(kg EBW∙d)] [mg/(kg BW∙d)]
Ca Ca Ret .= –20.21 ± 3.26 + 0.2394 ± 0.011× Ca Int. 0.90 4.87 <0.001 20.20 17.15
P P Ret. = –13.50 ± 2.92 + 0.2919 ± 0.023 × P Int. 0.91 3.42 <0.001 13.50 11.46
Na Na Ret. = –3.80 ± 0.52 + 0.0599 ± 0.011× P Int. 0.92 1.09 <0.001 3.80 3.23
K K Ret. = –7.91 ± 1.02 + 0.0379 ± 0.0025 × K Int. 0.90 2.17 <0.001 7.91 6.06
Mg Mg Ret. = -1.10 ± 0.34 + 0.0065 ± 0.0012 × Mg Int. 0.90 0.41 <0.001 1.10 0.93
1
Ret, retained, mg/kg EBW; Int, intake, mg/kg EBW; 2RMSE, root mean square error; 3req, requirement.

Table VI.- Allometric equations to estimate body composition in macrominerals (Ca, P, Na, K and Mg) of Dorper ×
Hu crossbred ewe lambs.

Item Regression equation R2 RMSE P-Value BW (kg)1

35 40 45 50
EBW (kg) EBW = 1.5123 ± 0.312 + 0.7984 ± 0.02 × BW 0.91 0.92 <0.001 29.46 33.45 37.44 41.43
Ca (g/kg EBW) Log Ca (g) = 0.9491 ± 0.074 + 1.0648 ± 0.091 × Log EBW 0.92 0.05 <0.001 11.07 11.17 11.25 11.32
P (g/kg EBW) Log P (g) = 0.6753 ± 0.032 + 1.0560 ± 0.12 × Log EBW 0.92 0.02 <0.001 5.72 5.76 5.80 5.83
Na (g/kg EBW) Log Na (g) = 0.2035 ± 0.011 + 0.8903 ± 0.053 × Log EBW 0.91 0.04 <0.001 1.10 1.09 1.07 1.06
K (g/kg EBW) Log K (g) = -0.0481 ± 0.0025 + 1.1432 ± 0.10 × Log EBW 0.93 0.03 <0.001 1.45 1.48 1.50 1.52
Mg (g/kg EBW) Log Mg (g) = -0.6975 ± 0.033 + 1.1590 ± 0.11 × Log EBW 0.90 0.06 <0.001 0.34 0.35 0.36 0.36
EBW, empty BW; RMSE, root mean square error. 1Values were calculated from the equations.

Table VII.- Prediction of the composition of empty also presented in Table VI. The proportions of Ca, P, K
body weight gain (g/kg EBWG) of Ca, P, Na, K and Mg and Mg increased as BW increased. The proportion of Na
at different BW of Dorper × Hu ewe lambs. decreased as BW increased (Table VI). The macromineral
element deposition of ewes in EBWG (Table VII) followed
BW (kg) Equations1 the same concentration pattern as in EBW (Table VI), with
35 40 45 50 increases of approximately 2.29% for Ca, 1.96% for P,
4.82% for K, 5.44% for Mg and decreases of 3.42% for Na
EBW (kg) 29.46 33.45 37.44 41.43
as BW increased from 35 to 50 kg.
Ca 11.79 11.89 11.98 12.06 Ca = 9.4704×EBW0.0648
P 6.04 6.09 6.12 6.16 P = 4.9999×EBW0.056 Table VIII.- Net macromineral requirements for live
Na 0.98 0.97 0.96 0.95 Na = 1.4224×EBW -0.1097 weight gain (mg/day) of Dorper×Hu crossbred ewe
K 1.66 1.69 1.72 1.74 K = 1.0233×EBW0.1432 lambs.
Mg 0.40 0.41 0.41 0.42 Mg = 0.2326×EBW0.1590
BW ADG Net requirement (mg/day)
EBW, empty body weight. 1Component concentration = b×10a × EBW (kg) (g/d) Ca P Na K Mg
(b−1)
, in which a and b are constants determined from the equations in 35 100 992 508 83 140 34
Table VI.
200 1984 1016 166 280 68
300 2976 1524 249 420 102
The logarithmic allometric equations used to calculate the
40 100 994 509 81 141 34
relationships between macromineral element quantities
200 1988 1018 162 282 68
and empty body weights were highly significant (P <
300 2982 1527 243 423 102
0.001) and provided a data fit with R2 values varying
45 100 996 510 80 143 34
between 0.90 and 0.93. By deriving the logarithm
regression equations of the body content for Ca, P, K, 200 1992 1020 160 286 68
Na, and Mg according to the logarithm of the EBW, the 300 2988 1530 240 429 102
equations to predict these nutrients per kilogram of EBWG 50 100 999 510 78 145 35
were obtained in Table VII. The relative proportion of 200 1998 1020 156 290 70
Ca, P, K, Na, and Mg at 35, 40, 45, and 50 kg of BW are 300 2997 1530 234 435 105
1023 Net Mineral Requirement for Maintenance and Growth of Lambs 1023

Net macromineral element requirements for live weight al. (1995) found for fattening bulls, relative to the total
gain empty body (including blood, skin, and internal organs),
In order to calculate the net macromineral element the muscle tissue accounted for 0.2% of the total Ca, 13%
requirements for live weight gain (Table VIII), the values of the total P, 25% of the total Mg, 18% of the total Na, and
of composition of empty weight gain were divided by the 73% of the total K. Bellof et al. (2006) reported that the
correction factors that were determined by the BW/EBW muscle tissue in the carcass of growing German Merino
ratio, which were calculated as 1.19, 1.20, 1.20, 1.21 for Landsheep (45 kg final body weight) contained 81.0% of
ewes, and corresponded to animals with BWs of 35, 40, 45 the total amount of K. These results all showed that K was
and 50 kg, respectively. An increase in the net requirements mainly distributed in the muscle tissue.
for live weight gain of ewes was found for Ca, P, K, and In the present study with F1 Dorper × Hu crossbred
Mg with the exception of Na as animal BW increased. ewe lambs at body weights ranging from 35 to 50 kg,
macromineral concentration and distribution were found in
DISCUSSION the visceral (blood included) tissues on a DM basis (Table
III). These results showed that only very small amounts
Macromineral concentration and distribution in the main of Ca and Mg were retained in the visceral tissues, and
body tissues higher concentrations could be found for the elements P,
In the present study, we observed macromineral K, and Na in the visceral tissues, which were similar to the
concentration and distribution in the bone tissue on a DM results for the visceral tissue of Romneys sheep reported
basis, with Dorper × Hu crossbred ewe lambs at body by Grace (1983). Body P is also widly distributed in the
weight ranging from 35 to 50 kg (Table III). In comparison, fluids and soft tissues of the body where it serves a range
ARC (1980) reported concentration ranges of 110 to 200, of essential functions and plays a vital role in a host of
50 to 100, 2.0, 4.0, and ≤ 0.05 g/kg bone DM for Ca, P, metabolic fuctions; K is the major intracellular ion in
Mg, Na, and K, respectively, in growing lambs. Bellof et tissues. All soft tissues are much richer in K than in Na,
al. (2006) reported average concentrations of 97.0, 46.6, making K the third most abundant mineral; Sodium and
3.4, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg bone DM for Ca, P, Na, K, and chloride maintain osmotic pressure, regulate acid-base
Mg, respectively, in German Merino Land sheep at body equilibrium and control water metabolism in the body,
weights ranging from 18 to 55 kg. Chizzotti et al. (2009) with Na+ being the major cation in the extracellular fluid
reported that for Nellore and Red Angus crossbred calves, (Suttle, 2010). These may be the explanation why visceral
averaging 274 kg BW, bone tissue contained more than (blood included) exhibited the differences of concentration
99% of the body Ca, 90% of the body P, 40% of the body among macro-minerals.
Na, 9% of the body K, and 70% of the body Mg. All of
these results showed that Ca, P, Na, and Mg were mainly The net macro mineral requirements for maintenance
distributed in bone tissue. The determination of dietary mineral requirements
Lamb muscle is a valuable source of essential amino is important in mineral nutrition. One approach which
acids and B vitamins and for highly bioavailable minerals was adopted in this study is to use the factorial model.
for human nutrition (Bellof et al., 2007). Potassium has The factorial model has two parts that associated with
long been known to be vitally involved in nerve and maintenance and that associated with production. This
muscle excitability and in the water and acid-base balance gives a net requirement and if the absorption coefficient
of the body (Underwood and Suttle, 1999). The K is the and DM intakes are known then a dietary mineral
third most abundant mineral in the animal body, 2/3 being requirement can be calculated (ARC, 1980). The F1 Dorper
located in skin and muscles (McDowell, 2003). In the × Hu crossbred sheep is specialized in meat production
present study, we observed macromineral concentration and is characterized by its ability to pass these traits to
and distribution in the muscle tissue on a DM basis, its descendants (Zhang et al., 2015), therefore, mineral
with Dorper × Hu crossbred ewe lambs at body weight retention in fleece and the net macro-mineral requirments
ranging from 35 to 50 kg (Table III). Similarly, Bellof et for wool production were negligible.
al. (2006) reported concentrations of 0.3 g Ca, 6.3 g P, The net Ca requirement of F1 Dorper × Hu crossbred
2.1 g Na, 10.9 g K as well as 0.7 g Mg per kg in muscle ewe lambs for maintenance estimated by CST in this study
DM were found in German Merino Land female sheep was greater than that value reported by the ARC (1980),
at 45 kg body weight. In lamb muscle tissue, the major which estimated the net Ca requirement for maintenance
elements K showed the highest concentrations, while Na, based on total endogenous loss of 16 mg/kg BW per day
Mg, and Ca remained at levels below 100 mg per 100 g mainly through fecal loss (AFRC, 1991). Ji et al. (2015)
meat (wet weight basis) (Bellof et al., 2006). Schwarz et estimated the net Ca requirement of F1 Dorper × Thin-
1024 H. Zhang et al.

Tailed Han crossbred ewe lambs for maintenance was 35.0 Al, Fe, Na, protein, fat, organic acids, carbohydrate type,
mg/kg EBW by using CST, which was greater than that ionophores, Mg status, and feeding frequency (Fontenot,
value reported by the present study. This difference may be 1989). The net Mg requirement of F1 Dorper × Hu crossbred
mainly due to the result of different methodologies, breed, ewe lambs for maintenance estimated by CST in this study
and growth stages. was lower than that value reported by NRC (2007) and Ji
There is great disparity in the reported net P et al. (2015), which estimated the net Mg requirement for
requirements for the maintenance of small ruminants. The maintenance as 3 mg/(kg BW/d) and 2.03 mg/(kg EBW/d)
net P requirement of F1 Dorper × Hu crossbred ewe lambs for sheep, respectively. Due to the limited information on
for maintenance estimated by CST in this study was lower the Mg requirement for maintenance of growing lambs, it
than those values reported by other researchers (NRC, is difficult to compare our results with the literature, and
1985; Ji et al., 2013, 2015). Additionally, ARC (1965) the reason and implications for different results need to be
estimated the net P requirement for maintenance as 42.5 further study.
mg/(kg BW/d) for sheep. This value later was reduced to 14
mg/(kg BW/d) (ARC, 1980) based on the total endogenous The net macro mineral requirements for growth
loss method. The endogenous loss of P was influenced by In this study, we found that for F1 Dorper × Hu
amount of feed ingested, quality of the diet, and factors crossbred ewe lambs with BW varying from 35 to 50 kg,
linked to competition for absorbed P via secretion (AFRC, Ca, P, K, and Mg concentrations were slightly increased
1991). Salivary P also was shown to play an important as BW increased. It is well known that the Ca:P ratio is
role in P metabolism (NRC, 2007). Furthermore, P loss very important for animal growth and health as it affects
may also occur when dandruff and wool are shed from the absorption and excretion of both minerals (Underwood
the body. All of these reasons may explain why the net P and Suttle, 1999). According to the AFRC (1991), bone
requirement for maintenance has been reported differently tissue has a Ca:P ratio of 2:1, whereas soft tissues have a
by many researchers. ratio of 1.2:1. In this study, we also calculated a body Ca:P
The net K and Na requirements of F1 Dorper × Hu ratio of around 2:1.
crossbred ewe lambs for maintenance were calculated The macromineral element deposition of ewes in
by CST (Table V). ARC (1980) estimated the net K EBWG (Table VII) followed the same concentration pattern
requirement for maintenance as 38 mg/(kg BW/d) for as in EBW (Table VI), with increases of approximately
sheep calculated from endogenous fecal and urinary 2.29% for Ca, 1.96% for P, 4.82% for K, 5.44% for Mg
excretions. Ji et al. (2015) estimated the net K requirement and decreases of 3.42% for Na, respectively, as BW
of F1 Dorper × Thin-Tailed Han crossbred ewe lambs for increased from 35 to 50 kg. The net Ca and P requirement
maintenance was 31.4 mg/kg EBW by using CST. NRC recommendations for growth in sheep were 11 and 6.0 g/
(2007) estimated the net Na requirement for maintenance kg EBWG, respectively (NRC, 1985; ARC, 1980). The net
as 10.8 mg/(kg BW/d) for sheep. Ji et al. (2015) estimated Na, K and Mg requirement recommendations of the NRC
the net Na requirement of F1 Dorper × Thin-Tailed Han (2007) for growth in sheep were 1.10, 1.80, and 0.41 g/
crossbred ewe lambs for maintenance was 9.3 mg/kg EBW kg live weight gain, respectively. In our study, the results
by using CST. These indicated that the net K requirement showed that the net Ca and P requirements of F1 Dorper
of Dorper × Hu crossbred ewe lambs for maintenance was × Hu crossbred ewe lambs for growth were greater than
lower than the recommendations of the ARC (1980) and Ji the recommendations of NRC (1985) and ARC (1980),
et al. (2015), and the net Na requirement for maintenance and the net Na, K, and Mg requirements of F1 Dorper ×
was lower than the recommendations of the NRC (2007) Hu crossbred ewe lambs for growth were lower than the
and Ji et al. (2015). Except for urine and feces, the losses of recommendations of NRC (2007).
K and Na can be also occurred by the skin via perspiration, As BW increased, an increase was observed in the net
especially in a hot and humid climate regions (Fernandes requirements of Ca, P and Mg, which are mostly present
et al., 2012). These findings also may contribute to the in the bones. These results in our study also indicated that
differences in findings between researchers. these lambs still showed slight bone tissue deposition
The dietary Mg requirements of livestock vary with regardless of the occurrence of more pronounced fat
the species and breed of animal, age, rate of growth or deposition. Furthermore, because of the deposition
production, and bioavailability in the diet (McDowell and of fat with the advance of the growth in the body is an
Arthington, 2005). In mature ruminants, the reticulorumen energetically expensive process (Resende et al., 2008),
is the principal site of Mg absorption (Thomas and Potter, the elevation in the requirements of Mg for gain as the
1976). Many factors influence the Mg absorption and animal grew is directly linked to the expenditure of energy
dietary Mg requirement including amounts of K, Ca, P, involved in the formation of adipose tissue deposits
1025 Net Mineral Requirement for Maintenance and Growth of Lambs 1025

(Garfinkel and Garfinkel, 1985). Science Foundation Research Project of Jiangsu Province
As BW increased, a reduction was observed in the net (BK20170488), China Postdoctoral Science Foundation
Na requirements for growth of F1 Dorper × Hu crossbred (2017M610358), and the earmarked fund for Su Bei
ewe lambs. The reduction of the Na requirements for Special Science and Technology Foundation [SZ-HA
growth may be related to the decrease in the amount of 2017008].
water in the body of the animals. There is a decrease in
the extracellular volume in the body of living organisms Statement of conflicts of interest
from birth to puberty, which causes a decrease in the The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The
concentrations of Na in the body (Ahmed et al., 2000). authors are responsible for the content and writing of this
Because of the organism needs to maintain a constant Na:K article.
ratio in order to maintain osmotic equilibrium, decreasing
Na levels may accompany the decrease in K concentration REFERENCES
(Suttle, 2010). However, the net K requirements for
growth was slightly increased as BW increased and Na:K Abdelrahman, M.M., Aljumaah, R.S., Ayadi, M.
ratio was not constant in our study. This is likely due to and Naz, S., 2017. Trace minerals in blood and
the higher concentration of K in the body, which should be colostrum in Naemi ewes and their neonates fed
associated with the greater deposition of hide, fleece and with long term prepartum sustained-release trace
muscle tissues in our F1 Dorper × Hu ewe lambs. Because elements ruminal bolus. Pakistan J. Zool., 49:
the metabolism of Na and K is interrelated and both are 1471-1471.
lost through perspiration, variations in their requirements Ahmed, M.M., Siham, A.K. and Barri, M.E.S., 2000.
might be dependent on the ability to sweat and on the Macromineral profile in the plasma of Nubian goats
environmental conditions in which animals are raised as affected by the physiological state. Small Rumin.
(Underwood and Suttle, 1999). Therefore, variability Res., 38: 249-254. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-
in net Na and K requirements among studies could be a 4488(00)00166-8
consequence of environmental conditions that favor or AFRC (Agricultural and Food Research Council), 1991.
oppose water and mineral loss via perspiration in animals. Technical Committee on Responses to Nutrients,
Report 6. A reappraisal of the calcium and P
CONCLUSION requirements of sheep and cattle. Nutr. Abst. Rev.,
61: 573-612.
The macromineral elements of F1 Dorper × Hu ARC (Agricultural Research Council), 1965. The
crossbred ewe lambs were mainly distributed in bone nutrient requirements of ruminant livestock.
tissue, except for K, which was mainly distributed in the Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux, Slough, UK.
muscle and fleece tissues. It was noted that the nutritional ARC (Agricultural Research Council), 1980. The
systems of F1 Dorper × Hu crossbred ewe lambs for the nutrient requirements of ruminant livestock.
macromineral elements were different compared to most Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux, Slough, UK.
other nutritional systems. In the present study, these AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists),
results for the mineral requirements may help to formulate 1990. Official methods of analysis, 15th ed. AOAC
more balanced diets for F1 Dorper × Hu ewe lambs in International, Arlington, VA.
the growth phase of 35 to 50 kg BW. It will be critical to Bellof, G., Most, E. and Pallauf, J., 2006. Concentration
perform additional studies using different diets, systems of of Ca, P, Mg, Na and K in muscle, fat and bone
production, genders, and ages in order to better understand tissue of lambs of the breed German Merino
what causes variation in nutritional macromineral Landsheep in the course of the growing period. J.
element requirements. Further studies to investigate the Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr., 90: 385-393. https://
macromineral element requirements at other stages of doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0396.2006.00610.x
growth of F1 Dorper × Hu crossbred lambs, in particular, Bellof, G., Most, E. and Pallauf, J., 2007. Concentration
are warranted. of copper, iron, manganese and zinc in muscle,
fat and bone tissue of lambs of the breed German
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Merino Landsheep in the course of the growing
period and different feeding intensities. J. Anim.
The authors thank all the members of the Feng Wang’s Physiol. Anim. Nutr., 91: 100-108. https://doi.
laboratory who contributed to sample determination. org/10.1111/j.1439-0396.2006.00648.x
The research was supported by the fund for the Natural Bellof, G. and Pallauf, J., 2007. Deposition of major
1026 H. Zhang et al.

elements in the body of growing lambs of the enzymes involved. Magnesium, 4: 60-72.
German Merino Landsheep breed. Small Rumin. Grace, N.D., 1983. Amounts and distribution of mineral
Res., 73: 186-193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. elements associated with fleece-free empty body
smallrumres.2007.01.019 weight gains in the grazing sheep. N. Z. J. agric.
Chizzotti, M.L., Valadares Filho, S.C. and Tedeschi, Res., 26: 59-70. https://doi.org/10.1080/00288233.
L.O., 2007. Energy and protein requirements for 1983.10420952
growth and maintenance of F Nellore × Red Angus Ji, S.K., Xu, G.S., Diao, Q.Y., Deng, K.D., Jiang, C.G.,
bulls, steers, and heifers. J. Anim. Sci., 85: 1971- Yan, T.U. and Zhang, N.F., 2015. Macromineral
1981. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2006-632 requirements of Dorper× Thin-tailed Han Crossbred
Chizzotti, M.L., de Campos Valadares Filho, S., female lambs. J. Integr. Agric., 14: 1617-1626.
Tedeschi, L.O., Paulino, P.V.R., Paulino, M.F., https://doi.org/10.1016/S2095-3119(14)60901-1
Valadares, R.F.D. and Fonseca, M.A., 2009. Net Ji, S., Xu, G., Jiang, C., Deng, K., Tu, Y., Zhang, N.
requirements of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and Diao, Q., 2013. Net phosphorus requirements
phosphorus, and potassium for growth of Nellore of Dorper × Thin-tailed Han crossbred ram lambs.
× Red Angus bulls, steers, and heifers. Livest. Asian-australas. J. Anim. Sci., 26: 1282. https://doi.
Sci., 124: 242-247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. org/10.5713/ajas.2012.12634
livsci.2009.02.004 Lofgreen, G.P. and Garrett, W.N., 1968. A system for
Cloete, S.W.P., Snyman, M.A. and Herselman, M.J., expressing net energy requirements and feed
2000. Productive performance of Dorper sheep. values for growing and finishing beef cattle. J.
Small Rumin. Res., 36: 119-135. https://doi. Anim. Sci., 27: 793-806. https://doi.org/10.2527/
org/10.1016/S0921-4488(99)00156-X jas1968.273793x
Deng, K.D., Diao, Q.Y., Jiang, C.G., Tu, Y., Zhang, N.F., McDowell, L.R., 2003. Minerals in animal and human
Liu, J. and Xu, G.S., 2012. Energy requirements nutrition, 2nd edition. Academic Press, Amsterdam,
for maintenance and growth of Dorper crossbred Netherlands.
ram lambs. Livest. Sci., 150: 102-110. https://doi. McDowell, L.R. and Arthington, J.D., 2005. Minerals
org/10.1016/j.livsci.2012.08.006 for grazing ruminants in tropical regions, 4th ed.
Fernandes, M.H.M.R., Resende, K.T.D., Tedeschi, University of Florida Press, Florida, United States.
L.O., Fernandes, J.S., Silva, Jr. H.M., Carstens, Myers, Z.H. and Beede, D.K., 2009. Evaluating
G.E. and Akinaga, L., 2007. Energy and protein estimates of phosphorus maintenance requirement
requirements for maintenance and growth of Boer of lactating Holstein cows with different dry matter
crossbred kids. J. Anim. Sci., 85: 1014-1023. https:// intakes. J. Dairy Sci., 92: 708-719. https://doi.
doi.org/10.2527/jas.2006-110 org/10.3168/jds.2008-1582
Fernandes, M.H.M.R., Resende, K.T.D., Tedeschi, NRC, 1985. Nutrient requirements of small ruminants:
L.O., Teixeira, I.A.M.A. and Fernandes, J.S., 2012. Sheep, goats, cervids and new world camelids.
Macromineral requirements for the maintenance Natl. Acad. Press., Washington, DC.
and growth of Boer crossbred kids. J. Anim. Sci., NRC, 2007. Nutrient requirements of small ruminants:
90: 4458-4466. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2011- Sheep, goats, cervids and new world camelids.
4954 Natl. Acad. Press., Washington, DC.
Fontenot, J.P., Allen, V.G., Bunce, G.E. and Goff, J.P., Resende, K.T., Silva, H.G.O., Lima, L.D. and Teixeira,
1989. Factors influencing magnesium absorption I.A.M.A., 2008. Avaliação das exigências
and metabolism in ruminants. J. Anim. Sci., 67: nutricionais de pequenos ruminantes pelos
3445. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas1989.67123445x sistemas de alimentação recentemente publicados.
Galvani, D.B., Pires, C.C., Kozloski, G.V. and Wommer, Rev. Brasil. Zootec., 37: 161-177. https://doi.
T.P., 2008. Energy requirements of Texel crossbred org/10.1590/S1516-35982008001300019
lambs. J. Anim. Sci., 86: 3480-3490. https://doi. Sahlu, T.A.L., Goetsch, J.L., Nsahlai, I.V., Moore, J.E.,
org/10.2527/jas.2008-1097 Galyean, M.L. and Johnson, Z.B., 2004. Nutrient
Galvani, D.B., Pires, C.C., Kozloski, G.V. and Sanchez, requirements of goats: Developed equations, other
L.M., 2009. Protein requirements of Texel crossbred considerations and future research to improve
lambs. Small Rumin. Res., 5: 55-62. https://doi. them. Small Rumin. Res., 53: 191-219. https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2008.11.003 org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2004.04.001
Garfinkel, L. and Garfinkel D., 1985. Magnesium Schwarz, F.J., Heindl, U. and Kirchgessner, M., 1995.
regulation of the glycolytic pathway and the Gehalte und Ansatz von Mengenelementen in
 1027 Net Mineral Requirement for Maintenance and Growth of Lambs 1027

Geweben und im Ganzkörper von wachsenden Zhang, H., Nie, H.T., Wang, Q., Wang, Z.Y., Zhang,
Jungbullen der Rasse Fleckvieh. Arch. Anim. Nutr., Y.L., Guo, R.H. and Wang, F., 2015. Trace element
8: 183-199. concentrations and distributions in the main body
Souza, C.M.S.D., Medeiros, A.N.D., Costa, R.G., Sales, tissues and the net requirements for maintenance
E.P., Silva, A.M.D.A. and Lima, Jr. V.D., 2013. and growth of Dorper × Hu lambs. J. Anim. Sci.,
Micromineral nutritional requirements for weight 93: 2471-2481. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2014-
gain in Canindé goats under grazing in the Brazilian 8306
semiarid. Acta Sci. Anim. Sci., 35: 173-179. Zhang, H., Sun, L., Wang, Z., Deng, M., Nie, H., Zhang,
Suttle, N.F., 2010. Mineral nutrition of livestock, 4th G. and Wang, F., 2016. N-carbamylglutamate
ed. CABI Publishing, New York, NY. https://doi. and L-arginine improved maternal and placental
org/10.1079/9781845934729.0000 development in underfed ewes. Reproduction, 151:
Tomas, F.M. and Potter, B.J., 1976. The site of 623-635. https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-16-0067
magnesium absorption from the ruminant stomach. Zhang, H., Sun, L., Wang, Z., Ma, T., Wang, F. and
Br. J. Nutr., 36: 37-45. https://doi.org/10.1079/ Zhang, Y., 2017. Energy and protein requirements
BJN19760056 for maintenance of Hu sheep during pregnancy. J.
Underwood, E.J. and Suttle, N.F., 1999. The mineral Integr. Agric., 16: 60345-60347.
nutrition of livestock, 3rd ed. CAB Int., Midlothian, Zhang, H., Nie, H., Wang, Z. and Wang, F., 2018. The
UK. https://doi.org/10.1079/9780851991283.0000 net iron, manganese, copper, and zinc requirements
Yue, G.H., 1996. Reproductive characteristics of for maintenance and growth of Dorper× Hu ewe
Chinese Hu sheep. Anim. Reprod. Sci., 44: 223-230. lambs. Ital. J. Anim. Sci., 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1
https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-4320(96)01562-X 080/1828051X.2018.1431964

View publication stats