THE EFFECTS OF POTASSIUM SUPPLEMENTS UPON THE ABSORPTION OF POTASSIUM AND SODIUM FROM THE SHEEP RUMEN

The infusion of potassium salts into the rumen of sheep led to an increase in both the concentration and amount of potassium in the fluid in the rumen and to a decrease in the concentration and amount of sodium. The amount of potassium absorbed from the rumen increased as the intake of potassium was increased and was related to the concentration of potassium in the rumen fluid. The amount of potassium flowing out of the rumen increased and the amount of sodium flowing out decreased with increase in potassium intake but neither the volume of fluid in the rumen nor the rate at which it flowed on to the omasum was affected. There was no evidence that potassium supplements reduced the amount of sodium entering the rumen in the saliva. These results indicate that the amount of sodium absorbed from the rumen is increased when potassium supplements are given.