Effect of exercise on thermal and acid-base balance in buffaloes

Twelve male buffaloes about 3 years old each pulled a stone roller weighing 100 kg at a speed of about 3 km/h on even ground for 3 h. Skin temperature, rectal temperature, respiration rate and heart rate increased in response to exercise. Significant increases in the values of Base Excess, plasma bicarbonate, standard bicarbonate and blood pH and a reduction in carbon dioxide tension indicated that the exercised animals were suffering from both respiratory and metabolic alkalosis.