Hemocytological and hemobiochemical studies in black pied, clinically healthy breeding calves in Morocco

In the following study, normal blood values were performed on 58 Friesian calves (30 males and 28 females) under preexisting Moroccan management conditions. The following parameters were evaluated: pH-value, p.CO2, actual HCO3, BE, BB, RBC, WBC, PCV, Hb, MCV, MCHC, Glucose, lactate, urea, creatinine, total protein, total bilirubin, enzyme activities of AST and GGT and electrolyte-values (Na, K, Cl). The values of all parameters varied significantly with age with the exception of MCV, MCHC and K. The female calves presented higher values of act. HCO3, BE, BB, Hb, PCV and MCV than the male calves (p less than 0.01). The calves were born in mixed acidosis stage which was largely restored 24 hours later. At the weaning, the calves showed a slight metabolic acidosis with a partial respiratory compensation. The metabolic acidosis was accompanied with an increase of lactate level in blood plasma. During the first month of life, the development of an anaemia (PCV decreased) was observed. The mean values of glucose and total protein increased after colostrum intake, whereas the electrolyte values in blood plasma decreased. In general, the mean values of lactate, creatinine, urea, total bilirubin and the activities of AST and GGT decreased with age, while glucose and total protein remained nearly unchanged. The age and the sex should be taken in consideration judging the above mentioned parameters in a new born calf from birth to weaning (here: two months).