title: Effects of age on erythrocyte magnesium, sodium and potassium concentrations in female dairy cattle.
abstract: The effect of age on erythrocyte Mg, Na and K concentrations and the correlations between these parameters (EMg, ENa and EK) and other blood parameters were studied in female dairy cattle ranging from 1 week to over 8 years of age. EMg concentration was higher than plasma Mg, the concentration being highest in calves 1 week old and lowest in cows 3-4 years old. ENa and EK concentrations were lower and higher respectively in calves 1 week of age than in older animals and did not show any significant age variation in those between 1 and 8 years of age. The EK concentration was more highly correlated with erythrocyte parameters (PCV, RCC, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC) than was either EMg or ENa concentrations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Mulei
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Daniel
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000097:blood*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D012964:Sodium / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D012964:Sodium; D008274:Magnesium; D011188:Potassium