Requirements and Metabolism for Calcium, Phosphorus and Vitamin D(3) in the Growing–Furring Blue Foxes

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The nutritional needs of mink and foxes have long been clear, not specifically for blue foxes. With the development of technology, the present study aimed to study the effect of dietary calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D(3) supplementation levels on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and serum biochemical indicators of the growing hairy blue fox. The results showed that Ca (0.8–1.2%) and vitamin D(3) (1327 IU·kg(−1)) doses have important effects on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of growing blue foxes and can reduce fecal nitrogen and fecal phosphorus by improving the utilization of protein and phosphorus. ABSTRACT: A 3 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of dietary calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D(3) (VD(3)) supplement levels on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and serum biochemical indices of growing-furring blue foxes. One hundred and thirty-five 120-day-old male blue foxes were randomly allocated into nine groups. The nine treatment diets were supplemented with 0%, 0.4%, or 0.8% Ca, and 1000, 2000, or 4000 IU·kg(−1) VD(3). The base diet contained 0.8% Ca and 327 IU·kg(−1) VD(3). The dietary calcium level had a significant effect on the average daily gain (ADG) of blue foxes at 121 to 135 days of age and 136 to 150 days (p < 0.05). The ADG of blue foxes at 121 to 135 days of age was significantly decreased by VD(3) level (p < 0.05). The Ca dosage decreased the nutrient digestibility (p < 0.05). The Ca dosage increased the fecal Ca and P and decreased the P digestibility (p < 0.05). Interactions were found between the Ca and VD(3) levels, which affected the digestibility of Ca and P (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this research determined the suitable doses of Ca and VD(3) for growing-furring blue foxes.