[Sodium and potassium concentration in the tissues of wild and domesticated representatives of the chicken order].

Na and K content has been studied in tissues of the hazel grouse Bonasa bonasia, black grouse Lyrurus tetrix, capercaillie Tetrao urogallus, domestic hen Gallus domesticus and turkey hen Meleagris gallopavo. With respect to the increase in potassium and sodium content, the tissues investigated in wild species form the following sequence: major thoracal muscle (red), minor thoracal muscle (white), gastrocnemius muscle, left ventricle of the heart, stomach muscles, brain hemispheres, spinal cord. Domestic birds exhibit lower sodium level in stomach muscles. Potassium distribution in tissues of wild birds is more even than in domestic ones; in the latter potassium content of the heart is significantly lower than that of other muscles. The main bulk of muscles in wild birds contain more potassium and less sodium as compared to the muscle tissue of domestic ones. No interspecific differences were found in potassium and sodium content of white and red pectoral muscles.