A multi-element isotopic tracer assessment of true fractional absorption of minerals from formula with additives of calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and iron in young piglets.

True fractional absorption of minerals was measured to determine the bioavailability of Zn, Fe, Mn and Se from liquid formulas fortified with stepwise additions of Ca and P (as Ca glycerophosphate and carbonate, CaP), and Zn, Cu and Fe (as sulfate salts). Growth, deposition of tracers in organs and bone mineral content of femurs as assessed by single photon absorptiometry were measured. Four-day-old piglets (n = 36) were randomly assigned to groups fed a basal diet or additions of CaP (Ca = 25, P = 18 g/kg dry diet), CaP+Zn (Zn = 0.04 g/kg), CaP+Zn+Cu (Cu = 0.007 g/kg) or CaP+Zn+Cu+Fe (Fe = 0.008 g/kg). Oral and intravenous administration of extrinsic isotopes of 59Fe, 54Mn, 65Zn, 75Se and 47Ca was followed by fecal monitoring for 15 d and true absorption calculated after accounting for endogenous excretion. Addition of CaP+Zn reduced Zn absorption (P < 0.05) and CaP+Zn+Cu reduced Fe absorption (P < 0.01), but Mn and Se absorptions were not altered. Uptake of only Zn tracer into heart was significantly different (P < 0.05) among diet groups. Weight gain and linear growth were similar in all groups. Addition of CaP produced higher bone mineral density, but its effect on Zn absorption warrants further investigation.