Fetal and Maternal Plasma Electrolytes, Blood Gases, and pH in Dairy Cows during Late Gestation

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Abstract
Na, K and Cl were determined in fetal and maternal plasma of 6 cowsat 208-269 days of gestation. Blood pH and partial pressures of O2 and CO2 were measured in samples collected from the jugular vein of the cow and the caudal aorta and vena cava of the fetus. Concentration of Cl in fetal plasma was generally lower than the corresponding maternal value, and fetal K was greater than maternal. K of fetal plasma increased towards germ. Na concentrations were not significantly different between fetal and material plasmas. Once fetal and maternal pH and blood gas tensions had stabilized after surgery there was little change until shortly before delivery. In the last 24 h before calving maternal partial pressure of O2 was high and fetal blood pH was low.