Abstract
Summary
Absorption and metabolism of 65Zn in the natural chemical form of forage and as 65ZnCl2 were studied in Holstein calves following single tracer oral doses. Chemical form did not affect 65Zn excretion or total retention but 65Zn was higher in calves given 65Zn as forage in metabolically more active tissues (liver, spleen, heart, lungs, duodenum, and small intestines, p < .05). Thus, chemical form of 65Zn dose affected tissue distribution but not absorption. It is theorized that 65Zn in the two chemical forms was metabolized differently after absorption due to different 65Zn-ligand combinations being transported from the intestine to the tissues.
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