A new procedure for the continuous measurement of oxygen consumption in pigs

• Published in: The Journal of agricultural science 1995-02, Vol.124 (1), p.113-118
• Main Authors: Giles, L. R., Annison, E. F., Black, J. L., Tucker, R. G., Gooden, J. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air breathing; Animal productions; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Respiratory system: anatomy, metabolism, gas exchange, ventilatory mechanics, respiratory hemodynamics; Terrestrial animal productions; Vertebrates; Vertebrates: respiratory system
• ISSN: 0021-8596; 1469-5146
• DOI: 10.1017/S0021859600071318

Whole-body oxygen (O2) consumption was measured continuously in pigs from the product of blood flow through the pulmonary artery and arterio-venous (AV) difference of blood O2 content across the lungs (pulmonary AV procedure). Blood flow in the pulmonary artery, a measure of cardiac output, was monitored continuously using a transit-time ultrasound flow probe surgically implanted around the artery. The O2 content of pulmonary artery blood, which represents mixed venous blood O2 aturation (SvO2) was recorded continuously by fibre-optic oximetry. The relative constancy of arterial blood oxygen saturation (SaO2), obtained by catheterization of the saphenous artery, obviated the need for continuous monitoring. Complete recovery from surgical procedures, as indicated by the absence of infection and a return to pre-surgery food intake, occurred in 3–5 days. The combination of transit-time ultrasound and fibre-optic oximetry allowed the pulmonary AV procedure to provide continuous data on the oxygen consumption of growing pigs at high temperatures.