Blood respiratory properties of Bison bison

The respiratory properties and basic hematology of blood from seven adult bison and one calf were determined. Average oxygen-carrying capacity was 22.2 ml/100 ml blood from adults and 17.0 in calf blood; hemoglobin averaged 17.1 g/100 ml in adults and 13.6 in the calf. Half saturation of the blood occurred at 32mm Hg Po2 at pH 7.40 and 37 degrees C. The average Bohr effect was -0.40. Erythrocytes numbered 8.6 X 10(6)/mm3 and were 52 micron 3 in mean volume. Adult and calf cells differed in mean cell hemoglobin, adults 19.9 pg/cell vs 15.9 in the calf, and this difference evidently caused differences in Haldane effect, standard bicarbonate, and buffering capacity. Bison are capable of prolonged running. Two features of the blood that promote this capacity are its comparatively great oxygen-carrying capacity and low oxygen affinity.