Blood chemistry as an aid to diagnosis of combined copper and magnesium deficiency in single-suckler calves

Calcium, magnesium, copper, inorganic phosphorus, sodium, potassium, total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, glucose, packed cell volume and haemoglobin in the bloods of apparently health single-suckler calves were frequently measured. Values were within normal ranges except magnesium and copper which became subnormal as lactation advanced and closely approached values of single-suckler calves clinically affected with combined hypomagnesaemic tetany and hypocuprosis which responded to magnesium and copper therapy.