EFFECTS OF LOW SODIUM-INTAKE ON MAGNESIUM-METABOLISM OF SHEEP

Three sheep, equipped with cannulae in the dorsal rumen sac, abomasum and ileum, were fed a low sodium diet of artificially dried young grass. Mean daily intake of sodium was 310 mg. The sheep were given daily supplements of 0 or 2.3 g sodium by an intraruminal infusion. The concentration of K in mixed saliva and ruminal fluid from the sheep not given sodium supplements increased and the concentration of Na decreased markedly. The changes in the ion concentrations were associated with an increase of the transmural potential difference across the ruminal epithelium. The altered ion concentrations of Na and K in the ruminal fluid and the increased potential difference were accompanied by a decrease in Mg absorption from the forestomachs. The apparent availability of Mg from the gastrointestinal tract decreased from 34.5 (sodium supplementation) to 22.3 (low sodium intake). It is suggested that a daily intake of Na of 310 mg did not cover the sodium requirement of these sheep and that a low sodium intake influences the absorption of Mg in a similar manner as it has been observed with a high K intake. The results are discussed in context of grass tetany in ruminants. It is suggested that an inadequate intake of sodium is an overlooked factor of the pathogenesis of this disease.