Response of saliva Na/K ratio to changing Na supply of lactating cows under tropical conditions

Abstract

A daily Na intake of heat-stressed lactating cows to a ration intake of 1.6 g Na kg DM was insufficient to restore Na deficiency. One week was sufficient to deplete heat-stressed lactating cows of Na, allowing for rapid dose-response studies utilizing the salivary Na/K ratio as a parameter for Na status of cows under tropical conditions. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.