Transrenal passage of nitrates and nitrites in calves (short communication)

Abstract. In a study with 12 calves on milk nutrition, the course of methemoglobinemia as well as ttansrenal passage of nitrates and nitrites after single per os administrations of 4 g NaNO₂ per animal and 30 g KNO₃ per animal in the form of water Solutions has been observed. The response of the organism of calves to per os administered doses of sodium nitrite and potassium nitrate was observed by the determination of tlie methemoglobin percentage in blood and the nitrate and nitrite content in urine before the administration ofthe respective dose and after h 1, 2, 3 and 4 after the administration. A significant elevation in the values of methemoglobin was recorded after h 2 after the administration of 4g NaNO₃ per animal. The mean value of methemoglobin in blood was 18.84% of total hemoglobin. A slight decline in the values occurred as early as after h 3 after the administration. Of clinical signs, cyanosis of visible mucosae was observed. The highest nitrite and nitrate values in urine were determined after h 2 after per os administration of 4g NaNO₂, With the administration of 30g KNO₃ per animal, the most pronounced elevation in methemoglobinemia was observed after h 3, when the means values of methemoglobin was 11,75%. Of clinical signs, only slight cyanosis of mucosae was detectable. Maximum values of nitrates in urine of experimental calves after h 3 after the administration of 30 g KNO₃ per animal, with the mean value of 29,9 mM NO₃⁻¹ clearly demonstrate a good transrenal passage of nitrates in calves on milk nutrition.