[Electrolyte levels in feces and urine in healthy breeding calves between the ages of 5 days to 6 months].

In contrast to the situation in adult cattle there are high concentrations of sodium and low concentrations of potassium in the faeces of suckling calves. It was investigated in this study in which stage of the development of the ruminant these changes in electrolyte levels occur, and whether there are changes in electrolyte levels in urine as well. Samples of faeces and urine from healthy calves were examined fortnightly starting with the 5th day after birth. There was a distinct decrease in sodium concentration in faecal water within the first three weeks of life, i.e. without any relation to the intake of solid feed. However, the levels of sodium, potassium and chloride in urine samples and of potassium in faecal water increased with the development of rumination. The concentration of chloride in faeces was on a low level during the whole period of investigation.