Effects of magnesium oxide and magnesium alloy rumen boluses on plasma and urinary magnesium and calcium concentrations in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus)

摘要

The objective was to study MgO and Mg alloy rumen boluses as Mg supplements for reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) by following the plasma and urinary Mg and Ca concentrations. In the first 116-day experiment, varying amounts of lichens or commercial reindeer feed were given to nine adult female reindeer allocated into three groups. Group 1 received lichens ad libitum for 76 days, followed by commercial reindeer feed for 40 days. Group 2a received lichens ad libitum for 6 days, followed by lichens at 80% of the ad libitum intake for 51 days with 10 g of MgO per day per animal and by lichens ad libitum for 59 days with MgO supplement. Group 2b was fed as group 2a, but without MgO supplementation. In the second experiment, six 10-month-old female reindeer calves with rumen cannulae were fed lichens for 18 days and then supplemented with two Mg alloy rumen boluses for 26 days of which they were fed commercial reindeer feed and some lichens for the last 11 days.