JurassiCal™ Liquid is a concentrated (160,000 ppm) phosphorus free source of calcium for reptiles and amphibians. Herbivorous and carnivorous diets are frequently calcium deficient and phosphorus rich. Thus, it is of no benefit to use a calcium supplement containing phosphorus. Ideally the dietary calcium to phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio should be no less than 1.2:1 and is ideally maintained from 2:1 up to 8:1 (depending on the species)*. Lack of calcium in the diet can lead to metabolic bone disease and shell deformities and soft shells in turtles and tortoises.
Many commonly fed fruits and vegetables lack adequate amounts of calcium. Likewise, in most invertebrate species, calcium is inadequate (less than 0.5 mg/kcal). In most cases, invertebrate prey will require calcium supplementation. In addition, vertebrate prey often falls short of the recommended 2 : 1 ratio. In such cases, calcium supplementation should be considered.
JurassiCal™ is also Vitamin D3 free. Although Vitamin D3 is necessary for calcification (biological incorporation of calcium into bone, shell, etc.), excessive amounts can be toxic and may lead to hypercalcemia. To ensure compatibility with JurassiVite™ (which does contain Vitamin D3 in the safe cholecalciferol form) and to aid in maintaining the correct calcium to phosphorus ratio, JurassiCal™ does not contain either phosphorus or Vitamin D3.
Directions
BEGINNER: Lightly spray food before serving.
ADVANCED: Carnivores: Spray mammals and insects with 20 squirts (0.25 mL) for every 1 g (1/32 oz) of food. Spray boneless meat and gut loaded insects with 8 squirts for every 1 g (1/32 oz) of food. Herbivores: Spray vegetables and fruits with 1 squirt for every 2 g (1/32 oz) of food. Use 2–4 times more for turtles and tortoises and to increase calcium deposition in breeding or gravid animals.
EXPERT: Carnivores or Herbivores: Determine phosphorus and calcium content of the food and add according to desired Ca:P ratio. Values for common foods are available through selected reptile/amphibian references and our website, here. To increase calcium content by 100 mg, use 50 squirts (0.625 mL (1/8 tsp.)) of JurassiCal™ Liquid. For larger amounts it may be easier to measure directly; 5 mL (1 tsp.) adds 800 mg calcium. For example, if offering food that contains 410 mg of phosphorus and 20 mg of calcium and the desired Ca:P ratio is 2:1, you would need to add 800 mg calcium (5 mL (1 tsp.) of JurassiCal™ Liquid. ADVICE: The following types of food impair with calcium absorption and should be avoided: phytates (soy), oxalates (spinach) and high fat dog or cat acidified foods.
Size: 250ml
