Comparative Respiratory Physiology in Cetaceans

In the current study we used breath-by-breath respirometry to evaluate respiratory physiology under voluntary control in a male beluga calf (Delphinapterus leucas, body mass range [Mb]: 151-175 kg), an adult female (estimated Mb = 500-550kg) and a juvenile male (Mb = 279kg) false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) housed in managed care. Our results suggest that the measured breathing frequency (fR) is lower, while tidal volume (VT) is...