Effects of age on erythrocyte magnesium, sodium and potassium concentrations in female dairy cattle.

The effect of age on erythrocyte Mg, Na and K concentrations and the correlations between these parameters (EMg, ENa and EK) and other blood parameters were studied in female dairy cattle ranging from 1 week to over 8 years of age. EMg concentration was higher than plasma Mg, the concentration being highest in calves 1 week old and lowest in cows 3-4 years old. ENa and EK concentrations were lower and higher respectively in calves 1 week of age than in older animals and did not show any significant age variation in those between 1 and 8 years of age. The EK concentration was more highly correlated with erythrocyte parameters (PCV, RCC, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC) than was either EMg or ENa concentrations.