Minimum phosphorus requirement of the dwarf goat for maintenance

Abstract

Phosphorus balance studies with radioactive 35P were performed, using 18 African dwarf goats ? 14 months old with an average liveweight of 15 kg. Mean daily endogenous faecal and urinary output (mg kg-1 live weight) were ? 21 and 3.6, respectively, with an average absorption coefficient of 74% (69-77%). The daily requirement for maintenance was 26%mg kg-1 live weight. Blood P levels were normal before and after the experiment.