The objectives of this study were to determine peripheric oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry in newborn lambs and applicability of this technique in practice.

Fifty newborn Awassi lambs were used as material. The pulse oximetry probe was placed on the upper lip and peripheric oxygen saturation (SpO₂) measured at 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 60 minutes after delivery. In addition, arterial blood samples were withdrawn at 30 minutes and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂) measured using a portable blood gas analyser. Mean SpO₂ values were 72.70±3.54, 79.38±4.93, 85.06±3.99, 91.94±3.44, 92.10±2.71 and 94.66±2.56 per cent at these measurement times, respectively. Mean SaO₂ value at 30 minute was 93.06±2.80 per cent. There was no significant difference between SpO₂ and SaO₂ values measured at this time interval.

As a result, it was concluded that determination of arterial oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry on farm conditions instead of blood gas analyser could be easily performed as a reliable technique.