Forage chalk (ground), Kiev region.

Pharmacological properties
Fodder chalk is one of the main sources of calcium. Calcium stimulates the function of the cardiovascular system, is one of the factors of blood coagulation, and ensures stability of osmotic pressure. It participates in the conduction of a nerve impulse, in the initiation of muscle contraction due to the formation of an actin-myosin complex, activates, together with insulin, the penetration of glucose into cells. Calcium forms bone tissue, maintains muscle tone, prevents the premature development of osteoporosis and osteomalacia, contributes to the correct formation of the musculoskeletal system, which is especially important for young animals and birds. Calcium is part of various enzyme systems that catalyze biochemical reactions in the body, in addition, it increases the non-specific resistance of the animal. Calcium ions are involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, in the contraction of skeletal and smooth muscles. The intercellular bone substance is rich in calcium salts, together with proteins (mainly collagen - ossein) ensures the hardness and elasticity of the bone. Calcium has a beneficial effect on the exchange of iron in the body of animals and birds, removes toxins. When usingadditives in productive animals, the average daily gain increases, the quality and yield of meat products, milk yield improves, egg production in birds increases, as well as the preservation of eggs and dietary properties of the finished product. The process of absorption and resorption of calcium in the body is closely related to the intake of phosphorus and vitamin D, with the optimal ratio of these elements, their assimilation is maximum. Chalk consumption norms are based on the calcium needs of animals and birds, depending on the physiological state of the body, the presence of pathological processes, as well as age. With long-term unbalanced feeding of micro- and macroelements, irreversible pathological processes develop in animals and birds, they are especially pronounced when there is a lack of calcium, vitamin D, and iron. On the part of the locomotor system - skeletal reconstruction, demineralization, dystrophy, softening and deformation of bones, rickets develops. Also, muscle tone decreases, teething is delayed in young animals, hypochromic anemia develops, and atony of the gastrointestinal tract. Calcium deficiency especially affects the general development and growth of young farm animals and poultry. In laying hens, egg production decreases, egg shells become thinner. Dystrophic processes also develop in muscles, as a result of which the quality and yield of meat products drop sharply. When used orally, mineral componentsadditives are quickly absorbed and excreted from the body mainly with urine. According to the degree of influence on the body of warm-blooded animals, fodder chalk belongs to substances of little danger and has a wide therapeutic range.