MINERAL METABOLISM (P, K, CA, MG, ZN, MN CU) OF PIGLETS SUPPLIED WITHPOTASSIUM DIFORMATE (FORMI(TM) LHS)

In a metabolism study with piglets a complex of formic acid with potas sium formate (Formi((TM)) LHS) was fed in 2 dietary levels (0, 1,8 %). The diets covered all mineral requirements and were offered restricti vely. Intake and excretions of P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn via fe ces and urine were recorded. Formi((TM)) LHS increased the (apparent) dige stibility coefficients and the retention of P, Ca, Mg? Zn, Cu and Mn. The urinary excretions tended also to be reduced but were generally of minor quantitative importance. Relative to the control levels the cha nges in digestibility and retention were as follows: +8 % and +9 % for P, +2 und +3 % for Ca; +3 % and +8 % for Mg; +9 % and +17 % for Zn; 52 % and +60 % for Cu, +6 % and +6 % for Mn. In the case of K, the hig her K intake of treated animals (+64 %) did not affect fecal but incre ased urinary K excretion. The K retention exceeded the control level b y +18 %. The observed changes in mineral metabolism seemed to reflect mainly homeostatic adaptations to a higher metabolic mineral requireme nt resulting indirectly from the growth promoting effect of Formi((TM) ) LHS.