The topographical distribution of the inhalation-to-perfusion ratio in double-muscled and Friesian calves.

Five healthy Friesian calves and five double-muscled Belgian White and Blue calves were studied, using a 99m Technetium (99mTc) aerosol inhalation combined with a 99mTc macroaggregate injection and collimated scintillation counters. The inhalation-to-perfusion ratio (I/P) was calculated for both left and right sides of the thorax at four sites situated at three different levels in the auscultatory area on the same vertical axis and at a more anterior site just behind the scapulohumeral joint. I/P was higher in the left than in the right hemithorax. In both breeds, a vertical and a horizontal gradient were observed. I/P was higher in the lower and in the more cranial zones of the lungs. However the vertical gradient was more pronounced in Friesian calves while the horizontal one was greater in Belgian White and Blue animals. It was concluded that the factors affecting the topographical distribution of pulmonary ventilation and perfusion seem to be different in calves as compared to other species.