Studies on the Sodium-Potassium Balance in Erythrocytes of Australian Merino Sheep LI. Observations on Three Merino Strains

Abstract

Estimations were made of the sodium-potassium balance in the erythrocytes of samples of ewes and rams and their progeny in three Australian Merino strainstwo medium Peppin and one fine wool. In all three strains [K+] values occurred in a continuous distribution within a range of 6 to approximately 20 m-equiv/l packed red blood cells. In the fine wool strain there were no values beyond this, but in both medium strains animals were found with values in excess of 50. Means and variances of [K+] values, even excluding these extremes, were greater in the two medium strains. The variance was also significantly higher for females than males, though sex means did not differ significantly.