Selected blood chemistry and hematologic characteristics in milk-fed and conventionally fed calves.
Effects of diet and age on selected blood chemistry and hematologic characteristics were studied in 20 Holstein bull calves. Milk-fed calves (treatment 1) were maintained exclusively on a milk-replacer diet. Conventionally fed calves (treatment 2) were provided a calf-starter diet and alfalfa hay beginning at 2 wk of age and were weaned from milk replacer at 7 wk of age. Blood samples were collected by jugular puncture from all animals just before the morning feeding at 6, 7, 9, and 11 wk of age. Milk-fed calves had greater glucose concentration in blood serum. Urea nitrogen of blood increased in conventionally fed calves from 6 through 11 wk and decreased in milk-fed calves. Hemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume decreased in calves receiving milk-replacer diet. Total protein and albumin concentrations were greater in the conventionally fed group. Treatment differences also existed for calcium and cholesterol concentrations and in alkaline phosphatase activity.
D000375:Aging; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D002417:Cattle / Q000097:blood*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004032:Diet; D006400:Hematocrit / Q000662:veterinary; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008892:Milk
D001786:Blood Glucose; D001798:Blood Proteins; D006454:Hemoglobins; D002784:Cholesterol; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D002118:Calcium