Sodium, Chlorine, and Potassium Requirements of Growing Pigs

Sodium, chlorine, and sodium chloride deficiencies were produced in pigs with a resultant decrease in daily gains and in efficiency of feed utilization. The sodium chloride deficiency was no more severe than the sodium deficiency alone. Blood plasma studies of the concentration of sodium indicate that blood plasma sodium cannot be used positively to detect a sodium deficiency. The chlorine deficiency caused a significant decrease of the blood plasma chlorides. Coincident with the severe sodium deficiency was a significant rise of potassium in the blood plasma. The growth data for the sodium and the balance studies for sodium, chlorine, and potassium suggest that the requirements for growing swine making average daily gains of approximately 1.35 pounds are 36 to 42 milligrams of sodium, 53 to 64 milligrams of chlorine, and 100 to 120 milligrams of potassium per kilogram body weight daily.