When assessing calcium in feed formulation, we look not only at the total amount, but also at the level the animal needs according to its species and production period, and at its balance with phosphorus.
What are the functions of calcium in animal feeding?
Calcium plays a role in many important functions in the body.
Its main functions include:
- contributing to bone and skeletal structure,
- contributing to normal muscle function,
- playing a part in nerve and cellular activity,
- playing a role in physiological processes such as blood clotting.
Calcium is therefore important not only for bone development, but also for overall mineral nutrition.
Is the calcium requirement the same in all animals?
No.
Calcium needs vary with the animal’s species, age, growth period and production purpose.
For example, the calcium needs of laying hens are particularly important because of eggshell formation. In growing animals, calcium needs are assessed mainly in connection with skeletal development.
It is therefore not correct to say that a single calcium level is suitable for all animals.
The relationship between calcium and phosphorus
Calcium and phosphorus are two essential minerals assessed together in feed formulation.
Both play an important role, especially in bone and skeletal structure. But what matters is not just that the two minerals are present in sufficient quantities, but that the balance between them suits the animal’s needs.
So when assessing a feed’s calcium level, its phosphorus level should also be taken into account.
Why does the source of calcium matter?
Calcium in feeds can be supplied from different raw materials. But the calcium content of the source used and its availability to the animal may differ.
So when formulating, not only the name of the raw material but also its actual analysis value and the availability of its calcium should be taken into account.
Assessing mineral sources correctly for quality and suitability is especially important.
Calcium in laying hen feeds
In laying hens, calcium is of particular importance because of eggshell formation.
As long as egg production continues, the hen needs calcium regularly. In layer feeds, therefore, the mineral balance and the characteristics of the calcium source used need to be assessed as well as the calcium level.
Insufficient or unbalanced calcium can adversely affect the normal formation of the eggshell.
Calcium in growing animals
In animals in the growth period, calcium is one of the important elements of skeletal development.
But a high level of calcium on its own is not the goal. A mineral balance suited to the animal’s needs should be created together with phosphorus and other nutrients.
For this reason, calcium and phosphorus are considered together when assessing feeds for the growth period.
Calcium in organic feeds
In organic feeds, too, calcium is an important nutrient in meeting the animal’s mineral needs.
While the compliance of the raw materials used in organic feed formulation with organic production conditions is assessed separately, the animal’s calcium needs must also be met correctly.
In organic feeds, therefore, mineral nutrition and organic raw material requirements should be assessed together.
Summary
Calcium is one of the essential minerals needed for various physiological activities in animals, above all bone and skeletal development.
When assessing calcium in feed formulation, the animal species and production period, the calcium source used and especially its balance with phosphorus should be taken into account.
Correct mineral feeding requires creating a balanced ration suited to the animal’s needs, rather than increasing the amount of a single mineral.