[Changes in the acid-base equilibrium in cattle in relation to the time intervals between sampling and study under field conditions].

The parameters of acid-base balance were investigated in relation to the time difference between the blood sampling and the examination and ambient temperature in the field conditions. The transfer of the samples from field conditions to a laboratory was imitated by putting the case with the samples into a thermostat at the temperature of 20 degrees C and 37 degrees C. In the first trial, at the temperature of 20 degrees C, statistically significant changes in pH values were recorded in seven hours. If the temperature in the case was 37 degrees C, the differences in pH, BE, SBi and BB values and in the partial pressure of CO2 were statistically significant in six hours. Applying the above results we state that the acid-base parameters can be examined within five hours after blood sampling supposing that the blood samples are kept at the temperature of 0-4 degrees C and using for veterinary diagnostics the equilibration method after Astrup.