THE RELATION OF BLOOD OXYGEN TRANSPORT TO RESISTANCE TO ANOXIA IN CHICKS AND DUCKLINGS

Abstract

The resistance of the chick and duckling to simulated high altitude was determined in decompression chamber studies. The newly hatched and young birds of both species had greater resistance than older birds. The duck was found to be more resistant to simulated high altitude at all ages studied. Differences in O2 capacity, total number of red cells, Hb, color indices, and oxygen dissociation curves were observed between the sp. The blood of the duck appears to be more efficient in O2 transport and should enable the duck to remain viable at higher altitudes.