A STUDY OF OXYGEN TRANSPORT IN THE BLOOD OF YOUNG AND ADULT DOMESTIC DUCKS

Abstract

Differences in O2 capacity, O2 dissociation curves, and Hb found to be present by colori-metric detn. and by calculation from the O2 capacity were reported for young and adult domestic ducks. The pH and pK of adult domestic duck blood were found to be 7.43 and 6.23 respectively. The low affinity of duck blood for O2 at low O2 tensions was discussed. It was concluded that the small uptake of O2 by duck blood at low O2 tensions is related to the chemical nature of the bird Hb. It was shown that the color index of the blood was lower in the young duck than in the adult. This change was accompanied by an increase in Hb percentage and a shift in the type of O2 dissociation curve. There appeared to be a distinct difference in the chemical behavior of the blood of young and adult birds which could not be explained on differences in acid-base balance.