The variability of potassium concentrations in erythrocytes in relation to anaemia in sheep

Abstract

A marked rise in the mean concentration of potassium in the erythrocytes of anaemic ewes with a lamb at foot is reported. Marked rises in potassium concentrations in erythrocytes or lowered packed cell volumes were not found in unmated or barren ewes in the same flock.

The rise in the potassium concentration in the erythrocytes is discussed.

It is suggested that self-limiting anaemia episodes may be more common in sheep, at least on the New England Tableland of New South Wales, than is normally suspected.