[Dynamics of quantitative changes in mineral components of body fluids and organs of sows and their fetuses in...

The experiment was carried out on 4 gilts and 29 pregnant sows and their fetuses (pregnancy period from 21st to 112th day). The animals were divided into groups in relation to the duration of pregnancy. The content of Na, K, Mg and Ca in the serum of sows and fetuses and also in several organs of the sows and fetuses was determined by the method of atomic absorbtion whereas the content of inorganic and total P was determined by colorimetric method. The results were converted into 1 kg of dry matter content. It was found that there is difference in administration of Ca and Na during pregnancy of swine in compare with other species. During pregnancy large amounts of these elements accumulate in placenta but their increase in the serum of fetuses becomes unaffected, although this occurs in other species. Inner organs of sows, i.e. liver, kidneys and spleen accumulate considerable amounts of Na and Ca, especially in early pregnancy, towards the the end of pregnancy the content of all mineral components in the liver of fetus decreases, whereas in kidneys only the content of Na and Ca, and in the spleen only Na content is depressed. In the fetuses liquids several irregular changes in the concentration of mineral substances were found, particularly in the allantoic fluid.