Effect of Sex and Age on Blood Pressure in the Duck and Pigeon

Abstract

Direct arterial blood pressure was determined on unanesthetized white Pekin ducks of both sexes at sexual immaturity, 4-5 months of age, and on mature ones at 12-13 months of age. There were no sex differences in systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressures, or heart rate at either age. There was, however, a decrease in diastolic pressure with age. Pulse pressure increased from 26 to 46 mm Hg. Systolic pressure averaged 182 mm Hg, and heart rate averaged 187 beats/minute for both sexes at both ages. A method for doing repeated direct arterial blood pressure determinations on ducks from a leg artery is described. It was found that a reliable systolic pressure could be determined by an indirect technique, using a 1 1/2-inch cuff on the leg. Direct arterial blood pressure measurements were also determined on unanesthetized mature white King pigeons. There was no sex difference in blood pressure or heart rate. Blood pressures averaged 181/134 mm Hg, and heart rate averaged 205 beats/min.