Fetal and Maternal Plasma Electrolytes, Blood Gases, and pH in Dairy Cows during Late Gestation

Sodium, potassium, and chloride were determined in fetal and maternal plasma of six cows between 208 and 269 days of gestation. Blood pH and partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide also were measured in samples collected from the jugular vein of the cow and the caudal aorta and vena cava of the fetus. Concentration of chloride in fetal plasma was generally lower than the corresponding maternal value, and fetal potassium was greater than maternal. Potassium of fetal plasma increased towards term. Sodium concentrations were not significantly different between fetal and maternal plasmas. Once fetal and maternal pH and blood gas tensions had stabilized after surgery, there was little change until shortly before delivery. In the last 24h before calving maternal partial pressure of oxygen was high and fetal blood pH was low.