Studies on the Sodium-Potassium Balance in Erythrocytes of Australian merino sheep 1. Changes in concentrations in the erythrocytes of lambs from birth to 98 days

Abstract

Estimates are given of the sodium-potassium balance in the erythrocytes of 16 Australian Merino and Merino cross lambs at ages ranging from to 98 days. The [Na+] values rose and the [K+] values fell from birth till an age of approximately 60 days, after which each variable fluctuated about a value comparable with those obtained for the dams of the same lambs, all of which were adult Merinos. Curves were fitted up to 57 days, their equations being y[Na+]=21·47 +2·63x-O·0203x' and y[K+] =99·60-2·78x+O·0221x' (x = age in days).