Gas metabolism and body temperature during submaximal, maximal and supramaximal physical activity of swine

VO2, VCO2, gas exchange ratio (R = VO2/VCO2), and rectal body temperature were continuously measured on 6 young fattening pigs and 16 boars during repeated runs (0.7, 1.3, and 2.5 m/s-1) on a horizontally moving belt. Close correlations, almost linear, were found to exist between VO2, VCO2, and rectal temperature in situations in which VO2 moved close to its individual maximum as a result of preselected challenge intensity. None of these 3 parameters was increased further and in keeping with turnover, if higher challenge intensities were chosen.