Formic acid enhances apparent digestibility of minerals:
Solubility and digestability of Phosphorus increased by formic acid.
The ADC ( apparent digestability coefficient ) of magnesium and calcium also showed a significant (P< 0.05) increase with the acidification of diet by formic acid.
Sorce:
www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2095.1997.00041.x?cookieSet=1&journalCode=anu
This study was conducted on rainbow trout, but I see no reason why it would not hold true also in Horned Lizards ( the effect of formic acid on P & Ca. solubility should be the same ). If this is true, then the Horned Lizard may have a significant advantage in proper growth and prevention of MBD ( with proper Ca
balance offered ) over other lizards, through a diet of Pogonomyrmex harvester ants.
-----
"A man that should call everything by it's right name, would hardly pass the streets without being knocked down as a common enemy." The Complete Works of George Savile, First Marquess of Halifax 1912,246
