Kirti DuaAmrit Singh Gajebasia2019-01-102019-01-102004http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810089877Sodium is a macro mineral highly essential for life. The present study was conducted to assess the sodium status in urine and saliva and to assess the relationship of sodium depletion on production of dairy animals. The study was conducted on 204 dairy animals which included 126 buffaloes and buffalo heifers and 78 cows and cow heifers. Sodium and potassium concentrations were estimated in urine, saliva and plasma using flame photo -meter. It was observed that lactating buffaloes were having higher urinary sodium concentration as compared to dry buffaloes. In cows, the salivary sodium concentration was on higher side in lactating cows as compared to dry cows. The urinary sodium concentration was on higher side in the animals of organized farms. The urinary potassium concentration in all the groups of buffaloes and cows was significantly higher than the salivary potassium concentration and it remained higher in the animals of both organized and unorganized farms during summer and winter seasons. The salivary sodium to potassium ratio was significantly higher than the urinary sodium to potassium ratio at organized and unorganized farms during summer and winter season in both buffaloes and cows. The trend of increased sodium to potassium ratio in saliva as compared to urine remained same in sodium supplemented animals. After salt supplementation the changes were more prominent in saliva, so it can be inferred that saliva is a better indicator of sodium status in body. In saliva, the sodium concentration was in normal limits but potassium concentration was on higher side resulting in low sodium to potassium ratio. While comparing buffaloes and cows, it was observed that salivary sodium to potassium ratio was on higher side in cows and their heifers than buffaloes and their heifers.EnglishThesis