Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 July 2007
1. Concentrations of magnesium in plasma, the ionic concentration in rumen digesta supernatant fractions, Mg balance and electropotential differences were measured in three ewes which were fed on grass and suppleyented with potassium and Mg by intraruminal infusion.
2. Mean plasma Mg concentrations were unaltered by combined K and Mg treatments, but fell (P < 0.001) when K alone was infused.
3. The mean concentrations, in rumen digesta, of sodium and K varied reciprocally (P < 0.001) with each other when K was infused, but were unaffected by Mg infusion. The mean Mg concentrations in rumen digesta fell (P < 0.01) with K infusion but rose (P < 0.001) with Mg infusion.
4. Absorption and excretion of Mg rose (P < 0.001) when Mg intake was increased but was unaffected by K intake.