PULMONARY-FUNCTION VALUES IN HEALTHY HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN CALVES

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 39  (5) , 773-778
Abstract
Repeated pulmonary function testing was performed on six 4-6 wk old resting, nonanesthetized Holstein-Friesian calves (average wt 59 kg). Under study conditions, PaO2 [arterial pressure of oxygen], PaCO2 and pH were 73.3 mm Hg, 41.2 mm Hg, and 7.42, respectively. Mean ventilatory values for the group were: min ventilation, 13.1 l/min per m2; and respiratory rate, 27.3 breaths/min. Measurements of pulmonary mechanics were performed while animals breathed spontaneously through a pneumotachygraph. Intrapleural pressure was estimated, using an esophageal balloon-catheter. Total pulmonary resistance was 3.1 cm of H2O/l/s and dynamic pulmonary compliance was 0.15 l/cm of H2O. These values have not been reported previously in the calf but agreed well with predicted values derived from comparative studies in other species. Efficiency of intrapulmonary gas mixing was estimated, using a N2 washout technique, and results agreed favorably with values previously reported in the dog.