The experiment was designed to evaluate the phosphorus (P) flow from different phosphate sources, in cattle. The mathematical evaluation of P changes between the physiologic or anatomical compartments, was based on model with digestive tract, blood and bones plus soft tissue. It was concluded that P from dicalcium phosphate in cattle was better absorbed than P from Patos de Minas and Tapira phosphates. Dicalcium, Patos de Minas and Tapira phosphates did not interfere with P accretion in bone and soft tissues, and the bi-directional P flow from digestive tract for the central pool in cattle increased with P absorption.
Cattle; metabolism; phosphate; radiophosphorus; model
