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Effects of a Potassium Deficiency on Calcification of Bone in Chicks^1,2,

Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana

The effects of a potassium deficiency on bone formation were studied in chicks aged 1 or 10 days which were fed various levels of potassium for an experimental period of 7 days. The older chicks had been maintained on a marginally adequate level of potassium (2800 ppm) during the 10-day preexperimental period. Paired-feeding studies were also conducted to determine the effects of the reduced feed consumption observed with a potassium deficiency on the various parameters investigated. A potassium deficiency resulted in a reduction in bone ash in chicks of both age groups. In the younger chicks, the phosphorus content of the bone ash was reduced by the potassium deficiency; however, a comparable reduction in bone ash phosphorus was not apparent with the older chicks. The calcium content of the bone ash was not affected by the potassium deficiency in either age group. Paired-feeding was without effect in altering bone ash or the calcium and phosphorus content of bone ash. A reduction in the potassium content and an increase in the sodium content of the bone ash was observed in the potassium-deficient chicks. The magnesium content of the bone ash was not affected by the potassium deficiency. The incorporation of ³²P into femurs 4 hours postintraperitoneal injection was reduced in potassium-deficient chicks of both ages as compared with chicks receiving the diet adequate in potassium either ad libitum or pair-fed. In general, ⁴⁵Ca incorporation was also reduced, although the results were not as consistent nor of as great a magnitude as with ³²P. Paired-feeding did not affect ³²P incorporation into bone, and the effect on ⁴⁵Ca incorporation was inconsistent. In contrast, the concentrations of ⁴⁵Ca and ³²P in skeletal muscle 4 hours postinjection were increased in potassium-deficient chicks, whereas no differences were observed in the concentrations of these isotopes in heart muscle or liver.

² Presented in part at the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Institute of Nutrition, Atlantic City, New Jersey, 1966. Federation Proc., 25: 610 (abstract).

³ Present address: Ralston Purina Company, St. Louis.

Manuscript received 26 April 1968.