Digestibility rates of major and trace elements in pancreatic duct-ligated pigs

Ligation of pancreatic duct in pigs leads to a severe maldigestion of calcium and magnesium. Substitution of missing enzymes results in a 'normalization' of the digestibility rates of these elements. In comparison to controls the pre-caecal phosphorus digestibility decreased, but the total digestibility rates increased, after ligation of the pancreatic duct. Furthermore, the total amount of absorbed phosphorus was significantly higher in pancreatic duct ligated pigs. Further studies have to be carried out to investigate, whether phosphorus in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is excreted with urine, as in this study the observed Ca:P-ratio in blood was in a physiological range. Without a forced renal excretion of phosphorus, consequences and risks (e.g. secondary hyperparathyroidism) of the regulation have to be considered. Regarding the elements sodium, potassium and chloride, an increased faecal excretion could be observed in pancreatic duct ligated pigs. As a substitution with enzyme products led to digestibility rates similar to those in controls, no losses of electrolytes have to be feared. Even though pancreatic juice seems to have influences on the digestibility of investigated trace elements (copper, zinc, iron and manganese), it did not lead to severe imbalances in the corresponding mineral metabolism.