Assessment of sodium status in large ruminants by measuring the sodium-to-potassium ratio in muzzle secretions
Singh, S.P.; Rani, D.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 60(9): 1074-1081
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 10490074 Document Number: 502135
In 2 experiments, 7 buffalo heifers were subjected to variable dietary sodium intake or sodium depletion and changes in sodium and potassium concentrations. The sodium to potassium ratio (Na:K) was simultaneously monitored in various body fluids to study its value for indicating sodium status. In a third experiment, the use of muzzle secretion Na:K as an indicator of sodium status was assessed in 7 buffalo heifers and 21 dairy cows and heifers maintained on adequate or inadequate sodium supply. Muzzle secretion and urinary Na:K and sodium concentration, but not serum electrolyte concentrations, reflected the sodium status of buffalo heifers in response to the widely variable intake of sodium (0.03 to 0.16% of dry matter). Progressive sodium depletion during an 11-day period, using saliva deprivation caused reciprocal changes in sodium and potassium concentrations in saliva and muzzle secretion, but not in urine. Decreasing urine sodium concentration was associated with decreasing urine potassium concentration. Saliva, urine and muzzle secretion Na:K closely reflected the degree of sodium deficit. Buffaloes or dairy cows maintained on optimum sodium intake had muzzle secretion and urine Na:K >0.30. Muzzle secretion or urine Na:K <0.20 or <0.10, respectively, was indicative of sodium deficiency. It is concluded that analysis of muzzle secretion Na:K, and to a large extent urine Na:K, may be used as a convenient diagnostic tool to assess sodium status in large ruminants. It has accuracy similar to that of saliva Na:K.