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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.

In a large dairy cattle herd blood samples taken by venipuncture in newborn calves within 0 to 12 hours after delivery were analysed for hematocrit and fifteen other variables. The time of birth and the time of blood sampling and of first colostrum supply were recorded as well as body weight, sex and breed of the animals. Blood sampling in dairy cows was performed in the course of a herd health programme. The effects of the above-mentioned factors on the blood values of calves were investigated. Comparing the blood values of the pregnant cows with those of their newborn calves led to the result that in calves the measures were higher than (Hkt, Thyroxine), equal to (urea, P, Ca, Zn, Mg, K, Na, TIBC) or below (total protein, albumin, gammaglobulin, cholesterol, coeruloplasmin, Fe, Cu) those of their dams. There was great scattering of the concentrations of Zn, Cu, Mg, Fe, TIBC, total protein, albumin and in hematocrit. Uptake of colostrum caused the concentration of Mg, total protein and gammaglobulin to increase and those of albumin and hematocrit to decrease, leaving the levels of P and blood urea unchanged.

Stillborn calves of a large dairy cattle herd were used for investigations of trace element (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn) content of the liver and heart muscle. Trace element content varied markedly in the liver and in the heart muscle too but in the heart muscle with a smaller degree. Calves from heifers had a greater trace element content in the liver and heart muscle than those from cows. Premature calves had small amounts of Mn and Cu in their livers and small but term calves had less Fe and Zn in their livers. Single calves from cows had a greater amount of trace elements in the liver and heart muscle than twin calves.