title: Description and function of an open-circuit respiration plant for pigs and small ruminants and the techniques used to measure energy metabolism.
abstract: Two open-circuit respiration chambers intended for use in energy metabolism research with pigs and small ruminants (goats and sheep) have been built. The respiration plant is air-conditioned, the temperature and the relative humidity in the chambers can be regulated from about +10 to 31 degrees C and from 45 to 90% relative humidity. The flowmeters operate on the basis of pressure differences. CH4, CO2 and O2 are analysed according to physical principles. Several calibration tests of the whole system were carried out with satisfactory results. A detailed description of the respiration facility is presented.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006041:Goats / Q000378:metabolism*; D006813:Humidity; D008297:Male; D008697:Methane / Q000032:analysis; D010100:Oxygen / Q000032:analysis; D012119:Respiration; D012212:Rheology; D012756:Sheep / Q000378:metabolism*; D013552:Swine / Q000378:metabolism*; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D008697:Methane; D010100:Oxygen