The relation between body size and maximum and minimum metabolic rates in the new‐born pig

Abstract

1. Measurements of rates of oxygen consumption were made on a total of sixty‐two Large White pigs aged between 1 hr and 6 days, with a range of body weight from 0·75 to 2·40 kg. 2. The maximum rate was determined from the continuous estimation of oxygen consumption as the environmental temperature fell past the point at which the maximum occurred. 3. The minimum rate was determined both as the environmental temperature rose through the zone of thermal neutrality, and from measurements at thermal neutrality. 4. In animals aged 1‐6 days the mean maximum rate was 49·0 ml. O2/kg.min, and the mean minimum was 15·3 ml. O2/kg.min. Both rates were proportional to body weight and not to surface area. 5. Pigs less than 1 day old exhibited lower maximum and minimum rates than the older pigs. © 1970 The Physiological Society