There Are Differences in Digestible Calcium Among 14 Sources of Calcium Carbonate Sourced from Latin America when Fed to Growing Pigs

The objective was to test the null hypothesis that there are no differences in the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of Ca among 14 sources of Ca carbonate obtained from different countries in Latin America (i.e., Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru). A total of 120 pigs (initial body weight: 16.51 ± 2.62 kg) were allotted to 4 blocks of 30 pigs in a randomized complete block design. Fifteen diets were formulated based on corn, potato protein concentrate, and each of the 14 Ca carbonate sources. A Ca-free diet was used to determine the basal endogenous loss of Ca. Therefore, there were a total of 15 diets and 8 pigs per diet. Pigs were housed in individual metabolism crates and fed the experimental diets for 11 days. Fecal samples were quantitatively collected for 4 days after 5 days of adaptation. Diet, ingredients, and fecal samples were analyzed for dry matter, ash, Ca, and P. Particle size was also analyzed in the 14 sources of Ca carbonate. The ATTD of Ca in each diet was calculated. The STTD was calculated by correcting the ATTD for the basal endogenous loss. The statistical model included source as fixed variable and block and replicate pig within blocks as random variables. Results indicated that concentrations of Ca in the 14 sources of calcium carbonate ranged from 33.40 to 39.72% but STTD of Ca was not different among the 14 sources (Table 1). Digestible Ca was greater (P < 0.001) in the Brazilian source 2 compare with the Colombian source 2, and the Equatorian sources 2 and 4. Likewise, the Mexican source 1 and the Brazilian source 2 had greater (P < 0.001) concentration of digestible Ca than the Colombian source 3. However, no differences among the other sources were observed. In conclusion, there were no differences in the STTD of Ca among 14 sources of Ca carbonate sourced from Latin America, but concentrations of digestible Ca differed among sources. This indicates that the concentration of Ca in Ca carbonate from Latin America needs to be determined before included in diets for pigs.