Four phosphorus (P) sources for bone mineralization of finishing pigs, considering their available phosphorus were studied. Thirty-two castrated male crossbred pigs, averaging 60kg live weight were used in a randomized experimental design, with four treatments, four replicates of two animals each, and a control group of six pigs that were slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment. The evaluated P souces were: bicalcium phosphate-standard (BPS), triple superphosphate (TSP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), and the association between 20% Patos de Minas rock phosphate (PMP) plus 80% BPS. Diets were isoproteic and isocaloric and properly indicated for finishing swine. Dry matter, ash, calcium, phosphorus and fluorine deposition levels and Ca:P ratio in swine bone were evaluated. Animals that received BPS and PMP diets showed higher and lower percent of P (P<0.05), respectively, in bone ashes. Higher fluorine deposition in bone ashes was observed in swines fed PMP diet, in relation to the other treatments. In animals fed BPS and MAP diet, the fluorine deposition levels were lower (P<0.05) than TSP and PMP 20% + BPS 80% diets. P sources, in this experimental conditions, may be used in finishing swine rations, but PMP may be associated with superior patern phosphate.
Swine; finishing; available phosphorus; bone mineralization
