The effect of potassium type and breed on the dry-matter percentage and specific gravity of the red blood cells and plasma of sheep

Abstract

1. The red cells of sheep's blood containing a high concentration of potassium were found to have a higher dry-matter content and specific gravity than the red cells of sheep's blood with a low potassium content.2. While the diet and age of the animal affected the dry-matter content and specific gravity of the plasma, they did not have a noticeable effect on the results obtained for the red blood cells.3. Breed influenced the measurements for both the red blood cell and plasma.4. In the three breeds of sheep examined an inverse relationship existed between the dry matter content of the red blood cells and of the plasma.5. There is evidence that a correlation exists between the haemoglobin type of animal and the dry-matter content and specific gravity of the red blood cells.