The effect of feeding on the respiratory activity of the sloth

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to confirm whether feeding influences the resting breathing rate and to observe possible alterations in blood gas and pH levels produced by feeding in unanesthetized sloths (Bradypus variegatus). Five adult male sloths (4.1 ± 0.6 kg) were placed daily in an experimental chair for a period of at least 4 h for sitting adaptation. Five measurements were made for each sloth. However, the sloths one, two and five were studied once and the sloths three and four were studied twice. Breathing rate was determined with an impedance meter and the output signal was digitized. Arterial blood samples were collected for blood gas analysis with a BGE electrolytes analyzer and adjusted for the animal's body temperature and hemoglobin content. The data are reported as mean ± SD and were collected during the resting period (8:00-10:00 h) and during the feeding period (16:00-18:00 h). The mean breathing rate increased during mastication of ymbahuba leaves (rest: 5.0 ± 1, feeding: 10 ± 1 bpm). No significant alterations were observed in arterial pH (rest: 7.42 ± 0.05, feeding: 7.45 ± 0.03), PCO 2 (rest: 35.2 ± 5.3, feeding: 33.3 ± 4.4 mmHg) or PO 2 (rest: 77.5 ± 8.2, feeding: 78.4 ± 5.2 mmHg) levels. These results indicate that in unanesthetized sloths 1) feeding evokes an increase in breathing rate without a significant change in arterial pH, PCO 2 or PO 2 levels, and 2) the increase in breathing rate produced by feeding probably is due to the act of mastication.

Immobilization of Free-Ranging Hoffmann's Two-Toed and Brown-Throated Three-Toed Sloths Using Ketamine and Medetomidine: A Comparasion of Physiologic Parameters

“…No sloths developed apnea, which has been previously described in two-toed sloths using KM (Vogel et al, 1998). Respiratory rate in conscious sloths doubled with feeding (Pedrosa et al, 2002) and varied with environmental temperature, agitation, alertness, and activity (Gilmore et al, 2000). Previous studies reported resting respiratory rates of 8 to 11 RPM in both free-ranging and captive two-toed sloths (Meritt, 1985) and 8.665.3 RPM in unrestrained threetoed sloths (Santos et al, 1998).…”

Fibrossarcoma Cutâneo Em Equino - Relato De Caso

“…A alimentação em Bradypus variegatus é um fator associado a um aumento signifi cativo da frequência respiratória em comparação com a frequência observada em inatividade (PEDROSA et al, 2002). Porém, no presente estudo, tal fato apenas é tido como correto quando a inatividade é associada ao período de sono dos animais, havendo ainda uma variação maior de FR durante o período de inatividade dos animais.…”

Abordagem Anestésica Em Cães Braquicefálicos

“…A elevação da frequência respiratória durante o período de alimentação, por sua vez, também pode ser justifi cada pelo aumento da mastigação dos animais, algo já observado em estudos realizados por outros autores (PEDROSA et al, 2002).…”