Pulmonary mechanics measurements in normal calves

Abstract

The mechanics of ventilation were assessed in 25 normal conscious crossbred calves and immature cattle, aged 24–406 days and weighing 60–360 kg. An oesophageal balloon was used to measure transpulmonary pressure and a pneumotachograph attached to a face mask measured respiratory flows. A regression analysis with body weight as the independent variable and pulmonary function values as the dependent variables demonstrated growth related changes in pulmonary function, confirming those previously described. Mean pulmonary function values differed in a number of respects from previously reported values for cattle of similar size. The response of individual cattle to the pulmonary function testing procedure probably accounted for a major part of these differences.