Blood parameters in draught oxen during work: relationship to physical fitness.
1. Four Zebu and four Simmental oxen were submitted to moderate and exhaustive work. Venous blood samples were taken before, immediately after and 30 min after work and assayed for several blood parameters. 2. Draught work led to a decrease in carbon dioxide (pvCO2) and increases in pH, oxygen (pvO2), triglycerides, free fatty acids (FFA) and lactate. 3. Zebu oxen had higher pvCO2 and FFA and lower pH, pvO2 and lactate in response to exercise. 4. Ratios of individual draught power output and values of pvO2 and lactate after work enable the identification of fit and/or weak individuals.
Institute for Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, F.R.G.
J
J
Zanzinger
K
K
Becker
D000818:Animals; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D002417:Cattle / Q000097:blood*; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / Q000097:blood; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007773:Lactates / Q000097:blood; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal
D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; D007773:Lactates