Sodium preference in sheep excreting sodium predominantly in urine or faeces.
On moderate sodium intakes (0.5 mmol/kg/day approx.) sheep are readily divided into those that are predominantly urinary or faecal excretors of sodium (U or F sheep). Water turnover and obligatory sodium loss are lower in F sheep. In view of these differences, sodium preference was examined in U and F sheep offered water and sodium bicarbonate solutions (40 or 300 mmol/l). The F sheep took significantly more of the bicarbonate solutions and, therefore, had sodium intakes that were 51% higher on the lower concentration, 94% higher on the higher concentration. Thus, F sheep not only conserve sodium more readily when it is scarce, they select it more readily when it is available.
Michell
A R
AR
Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, Royal Veterinary College (University of London), North Mymms, Herts, UK.
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D004032:Diet; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000502:physiology*; D007038:Hypotonic Solutions; D011247:Pregnancy; D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic / Q000494:pharmacology; D012756:Sheep; D012964:Sodium / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000652:urine
D007038:Hypotonic Solutions; D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic; D012964:Sodium