ASH IN ANIMALS 19 



COMPOSITION OF THE BONKS OF AN Ox. 1 



Per cent. 



Calcium phosphate ^ - 85. 72 



Calcium carbonate 1 1 .96 



Calcium chloride 0.30 



Calcium fluoride 0.45 



Magnesium phosphate 1.53 



Iron oxide o. 13 



The composition of the bones of other animals approximates 

 that of the ox and we can readily see that animals must receive 

 calcium and phosphorus in order that they may build up strong 

 bones to support their bodies. 



Ratio of Phosphoric Acid to Lime. About 85 per cent, of the 

 ash of bones is lime and phosphoric acid. These compound' 

 usually exist in the following ratio; one of phosphoric acid to 

 one and one-half of lime; or, 1:1.5. If the animal is receiving 

 food that reaches or approximates this ratio, we may feel certain 

 that the mineral compounds for building the bony structure are 

 being properly supplied. The following table, the work of 

 Warrington or Wolff, gives the ratio of phosphoric acid to lime 

 in several feeds common to the feeder of live-stock. 



Name of feed 



Phosphoric acid 



Lime 



Carnot. 



