Changes in blood acid-base characteristics, haemoglobin and lactate concentrations due to increasing moderate stress in pigs.

Abstract

Blood samples were collected by indwelling ear vein catheter from pigs (100 kg body weight) at rest and at different stages of increasing moderate stress. The stress increased from being forced to stand to fixation by maxillary sling alone and combined with stimulation with an electric goad. Stress caused significant decreases in blood p^H, base excess and, at lower levels of significance, standard bicarbonate, while pCO₂ and lactate increased significantly. Respiration rate was not affected. It is concluded that stress caused a combined respiratory and metabolic acidosis, although both components of the acidosis might originate from changes in muscle metabolism. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)