Abstract
Summary
A formula has been derived for calculating the hematocrit of successive blood samples based on the assumption that blood volume is maintained constant through replacement of lost cells and plasma by extra-vascular fluid. The formula predicted, with an error of 2% or less, decreasing hematocrits which followed a removal of 7-11 successive blood samples of 2 1/2-3 1/4 ml each, within a period of 6 hours or less in the adult male chicken. The formula failed to predict the Hcts observed in an 8-day test on fasting chickens in which 1 1/2 ml blood samples were obtained at 12-24-hour intervals. In the course of this study, the blood volume of the 2.5 kg White Leghorn male was determined to be 6.6 ± 0.25 ml/100 g body weight.
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