Growth-related changes in the pulmonary function of goats

Growth-related changes in pulmonary function values were investigated in 20 healthy French Alpine goats, aged between 20 and 550 days, weighing 7-55 kg. Pulmonary ventilation, mechanics of breathing and arterial oxygen tension were measured using standardized techniques and methods adapted for goats of different body sizes. The Ppl values and the tI/tTOT ratio showed no significant changes with age and body size. The ventilation values (Vt, Ve, mVI and mVE) increased linearly with growth. There was a significant correlation of age and body weight with dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn), total pulmonary resistance (RL), viscous work of breathing (Wvis tot) and minute viscous work (Wvis min) throughout the age range studied. Cdyn, Wvis tot and Wvis min increased and RL decreased with age and body weight. Arterial blood gases (PaO2 and PaCO2) did not show significant changes over the age range studied. Regression equations for each pulmonary function parameter are given with body weight as the independent variable. Data for the mechanics of breathing were compared with those elsewhere for cattle, horses, man and dogs.