Abstract
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 38mM on d 1 and was 78mM on d 21. The pattern of increase was quadratic: Y (mM) = 39 −.48X (day of lactation) + .11 X2. Phosphorus concentration was 38mM on d 1 and highest at 51mM on d 21. Chloride was 19mM on d 1 and 68mM on d 21. Sodium was 13mM on d 1 and highest at 42mM on d 21. Magnesium was 11mM on d 1 and was highest on d 18 (13mM). However, K was 31mM on d 1, reached a high of 33mM on d 3, and was lowest on d 19 (12mM). 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.
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