Evaluation of the Sodium Supply with Biochemical Analysis

Influence of the Amount of Sodium Chloride Fed on Sodium Excretion

Abstract

Sodium deficiency has been associated with such reproduction disorders as poor conception, irregular oestrus cycle, genital catarrh, loss of appetite, decreased milk yield and licking. Forages are generally poor in sodium, and supplementation with sodium chloride (stock salt) is necessary. Although requirements are well defined, situations with sub-optimal or insufficient sodium supply are not rare in practice. Furthermore, as sodium and potassium are antagonistically regulated, high dietary potassium can aggravate a situation with sub-optimal sodium supply. The purpose of this study as to evaluate the sodium supply in dairy herds with serum and urine analyses and compare different methods of evaluation. These biochemical findings were compared to the anamnestic declared amount of sodium chloride offered to the cows.