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Effect of Dietary Sodium Levels on Blood Levels, Urinary Excretion and Adrenal Histology of Lambs^1,2,3,4,

Purdue University, W. Lafayette, Indiana 47907

Abstract

Five experiments utilizing 80 finishing lambs of different breeds were designed to study diagnostic parameters for sodium deficiency and excess. The parameters studied were: plasma sodium and potassium levels, packed blood cell volume (PCV), blood volume, sodium balance, carcass evaluation and adrenal histology. A sodium depletion diet was fed (varied from 77 to 143 days) prior to initiating repletion via daily drenching of the various saline solutions.

The plasma sodium-potassium ratio decreassed (P< .05) between .08 and .16% dietary sodium. Comparisons between PCV values revealed minor differences due to salt additions. About 2 weeks after repletion was initiated the PCV volumes appeared to stabilize at a lower plateau. It was not possible to determine any differences in either adrenals or carcasses below .09% Na. Histological studies of adrenal cortices revealed relatively wider zona glomerulosa (P< .01) and darker stain at .01 compared to .27% Na. Carcass evaluation showed a trend (P< .05) towards higher loin eye area, thinner backfat and better (P< .05) yield grade on a low salt diet, but a lower (P< .05) dressing percentage. A greater (P< .05) blood volume was observed on the higher salt level. Addition of .08% Na and above caused the animals to have excess (P< .05) urinary sodium excretion.

¹ Department of Animal Sciences, Journal Paper No. 5318, Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Supported in part by a grant-in-aid from the International Salt Company, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania.

³ The research reported herein was presented by the senior author to the faculty in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science.

⁴ The authors acknowledge the assistance of Mrs. Alice Bales with the chemical analyses.