VPB 121: Veterinary Physiology - II (2+1)

TRANSPORT OF BLOOD GASES

• The difference in gas transport and diffusion between mammals and birds are not great. O₂ dissociation curve is same as in mammals except that it is to the right of mammalian curve. i.e. avian blood is less saturated with O₂ than mammalian blood at same temperature and partial pressure and release of O₂ to tissues is greater than mammalian blood.
• PO₂ for the arterial blood ranges 90 - 96 mm Hg. O₂ saturation is 88 – 90% in arterial blood and 40% in venous blood which are lower than mammalian blood. PCO₂ fowl blood is 28 – 34 mmHg. Arterial pH is generally higher in birds (7.44 to 7.58).