Phosphorus, abundance utilization

Sodium, potassium and chloride are the primary dietary ions that influence the electrolytic balance and acid-base status, and the proper dietary balance of sodium, potassium and chloride is necessary for growth, bone development, eggshell quality and AA utilization. Potassium is the third most abundant mineral in the body after calcium and phosphorus, and is the most abundant mineral in muscle tissue. It is involved in electrolyte balance and neuromuscular function. The content of potassium in poultry diets is usually adequate. Chloride is present in gastric juice and chlorine is part of the HC1 molecule which assists in the breakdown of feed in the proventriculus. Sodium is essential for nerve membrane stimulation and ionic transport across cell membranes. Signs of sodium, potassium or chloride deficiency include reduced appetite, poor growth, dehydration and increased mortality. 

Phosphorus is an essential plant nutrient required for cellular DNA and other biomolecules. It is utilized by plants as H2PO4 and HPO ions. Phosphate minerals that can be used to manufacture phosphorus-containing fertilizers occur in a number of places throughout the world. In the United States, Florida has especially abundant phosphate resources, largely as fluorapatite, Ca5(P04)3F, as well as hydroxyapatite, Ca5(P04)30H. These phosphate minerals are too insoluble to serve directly as fertilizers and are treated with phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid to make superphosphates that are much more soluble and available to plants ... 

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