Clinicochemical blood values in newborn calves. 2. Repeated studies in the same animals

Blood samples taken by venipuncture in calves within 12 hours after delivery and again in the same animals within 5 to 23 days of postnatal life were analyzed for hematocrit and fifteen other biochemical values. The changes of blood values between these two sampling points in each individual calf were investigated by regression analysis. Remarkable individual reactions and effects of the constitution of the animal immediately after delivery on the level and on the changes of the biochemical values could be observed as well as great deviations of some blood values of twin calves too. The scattering of some blood values and their changes in the first days of postnatal life are discussed regarding the maturity of the calves as well as the possible incidence of deficiency states or the setting of a new level for these physiological values.