EVALUATION OF ACID-BASE-DISORDERS IN DAIRY-COWS USING PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS AND EMPIRIC EQUATIONS

Acid-base disorders were studied in two groups of dairy cows. Accordin g to conventional interpretation in the 1st group of dairy cows (n = 1 0) the results of the acid-base parameters indicated respiratory alkal osis and in the 2nd group (n = 10) metabolic acidosis. The data of the two groups were examined using principal component analysis. So calle d ''reduced variables'' - principal components for each animal were ca lculated. Each experimental animal was projected in the coordinates of 3 principal components K1, K2 and K3. The components K1, K2 and K3 co mprised a 90% data variability. The importance of variables for a divi ding of groups (1 and 2) was quantified. The most important were pCO2, (HCO3)' and BE. It was proved according to mathematico-empiric equati ons that dairy cows of 1st group suffered from acute respiratory alkal osis. In the 2nd group of dairy cows the combined acid-base disorder w as confirmed using the equations for metabolic acidosis and chronic re spiratory acidosis. The use of PCA method and empiric equations for ac id-base imbalances shows the possibilities for gaining new knowledge h ow to make the diagnostic process more exact.