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Current Knowledge Concerning Silica Urinary Calculi, Royce J. Emerick

South Dakota Beef Report, 1987

Laboratory research has shown phosphate to inhibit the formation of insoluble silica - protein complexes that are believed to be important in the formation of silica urinary calculi. In work with laboratory animals, increases in dietary phosphorus and urine acidifying salts reduced the incidence of silica urinary calculi. These findings translate into feeding and management practices that may be beneficial in reducing the incidence of silica urinary calculi in cattle and sheep.