Sodium, potassium and electrical conductivity in plasma, milk, urine and saliva at different stages of lactation in buffaloes

Abstract

The status and interrelationship of sodium, potassium and electrical conductivity were studied in plasma, milk, urine
and saliva in buffaloes during peripartum period. A higher concentration of sodium and electrical conductivity in milk
were observed up to 1 week postpartum, which showed a progressive decline over a period of 2 months. Similar to the
milk electrical conductivity in urine also showed the decreasing trend following parturition. However plasma concentration
did not vary significantly in periparturient period. Salivary and urinary Na: K ratio in the post parturient period was suggestive of sodium depletion of lactating animals. Subsequently correlations between electrolytes of different body fluids were observed, which has important implications in assessing the bealth status of dairy animals.