2.6. Bone analysis
The right front foot of each of the 48 weaner pigs and 48
finisher pigs were cleaned of all skin, muscle and connective
tissue to remove the two metacarpal bones from the foot.
Following removal, the metacarpals were again cleaned of any
remaining flesh. Bones were analysed for density, ash, Ca and
P. Bone density was calculated using a balance (Scout pro
balance 200 g×0.01 g, Ohaus Ltd., Leicester, UK). The bonewas
first weighed in air and then weighed by submerging it in
distilledwater using the integralweigh belowhook facility. The
volume is calculated by subtracting thewetweight fromthe dry
weight, and its density was determined by dividing the dry
weight by the volume (Giancoli, 1998). The bonewas placed in
an oven at 100 °C for 16 h to determine the dry matter weight.
The sample was then ashed at 650 °C in a muffle furnace and
the ash was digested in aqua regia (HCl/HNO3 mixture).