[Na and K content in the blood and feces of healthy newborn calves and in those ill with dyspepsia].

Investigations on natrium and potassium content in erythrocites, plasma and faeces of healthy calves and in calves suffering from gastrointestinal disturbances aged 1 to 20 days were carried out. A clearly expressed trend toward reduction of potassium and increase of natrium content in erythrocites with age was established. Natrium content rose from 47 mg% in one-day old calves to 76.1 mg% in 20 day-old ones, while potassium was reduced from 203.89 mg% to 131.70 mg% respectively. The same rate of natrium and potassium changes was preserved in sick calves, but Na values in this case were higher as compared to these in healthy animals. Potassium content in erythrocites of recovered 6 to 10 day-old calves increased. Standard values of natrium and potassium in faeces of calves of the same age are presented. It was established that natrium content in faeces of new born calves is higher, while the content of potassium is lower as compared to that in faeces of 10 day-old calves. In case of sickness Na and K contents in the faeces rose while post recovery it became normal again. The investigation contributes for the elucidation of the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal disturbances in calves and for the improvement of the method used in Na and K assessment in biological materials.