Response of anemic calves to exertion

Twenty-one calves, 16 weeks of age, comprised 3 treatment groups. All calves in 2 of these groups were anemic. Several variables were measured before and immediately after an imposed exertion period. The anemic calves had significantly faster heart rates than did nonanemic calves, but there was no significant difference either in respiratory rates or acid-base variables. However, anemic calves became more acidic when made to work and also showed greater increase in respiratory rate than did nonanemic calves. The partial pressure of oxygen in venous blood was significantly lower in the anemic calves than in nonanemic calves both before and after exertion, but still represented adequate saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen.