Macrominerals in guinea pig milk during 21 days of lactation

Milk samples were obtained daily from English short-hair albino guinea pigs for 21 d. Analyses included six macrominerals: Ca, P, K, chloride, Na, and Mg (in order of decreasing concentration). All minerals except K gradually increased in concentration from the beginning to the end of lactation. Calcium concentration began at 38 mM on d 1 and was 78 mM on d 21. The pattern of increase was quadratic: Y (mM) = 39 -.48X (day of lactation) + .11 X2. Phosphorus concentration was 38 mM on d 1 and highest at 51 mM on d 21. Chloride was 19 mM on d 1 and 68 mM on d 21. Sodium was 13 mM on d 1 and highest at 42 mM on d 21. Magnesium was 11 mM on d 1 and was highest on d 18 (13 mM). However, K was 31 mM on d 1, reached a high of 33 mM on d 3, and was lowest on d 19 (12 mM). These changes in concentration and previously reported volume changes suggest alterations in functional capacities of ionic transport mechanisms of secretory cell membranes in this species.