A study of the plasma sodium and potassium levels in normal Merino sheep

Abstract

(1) The following figures were deduced from determinations made on 500 samples of plasma from apparently normal Merino sheep. Plasma Sodium: Extreme range 132-- 156 m. eq./litre, mode 144, arithmetic average 144·11, 90 per cent of samples between 138 and 150. Distribution normal. Plasma Potassium: Extreme range 3·8- 6·0 m. eq./litre, mode 4·8, arithmetic average 4·804, 90 per cent of samples between 4·1 and 5-5. Distribution lognormal. (2) No differences could be found due to sex, season, salt dosing (on a basic diet of lucerne hay) or starvation for 96 hours. (3) The administration of A.C.T.H. caused retention of sodium and potassium but had no effect on the plasma levels due to concomitant water retention.