Experimental osteodystrophic diseases in goats

Abstract

(1) Starvation proved to be an important factor in the development of bone atrophy in the case of two kids which received a ration low in calcium and high in phosphorus, where the CaO:P₂O₅ ratio was wide. (2) Clinical symptoms of rickets were observed only in a case where the phosphorus intake was low and that of calcium high, with a wide ratio. (3) When the calcium and phosphorus intakes were both low, their ratio being normal, the histological examination of the bone showed the presence of rickets. (4) The inhibition of normal growth, due to semi-starvation, resulted in the eventual development of bone atrophy and not osteofibrosis. Even rickets, which is more easily produced than osteofibrosis, in time gives way to atrophy in the presence of cessation of bone growth.