THE BLOOD VOLUMES OF FETAL AND NEWBORN SHEEP

Abstract

Blood volumes were measured in fetal and newborn lambs using 51 Cr tagged red cells. Absolute blood volume was strongly correlated with body weight in both groups. Gestation age was also a highly significant determinant of absolute blood volume in fetuses. Since body weight at a given gestation age in sheep was significantly influenced by the size of the breed concemed, all three variables (breed, gestation age and body weight) should be taken into account when considering fetoplacental blood volumes.