CALF MANAGEMENT AND BLOOD BUFFER SYSTEMS

The effects of different housing systems on the acid-base balance of 3 9 calves in a suckler cow herd comprised of Deutsche Rotbunte and Deut sche Schwarzbunte breeds and 25 veal Deutsche Schwarzbunte and Holstei n-Friesian calves were investigated over their first six months of lif e. No differences were observed in the pH of blood between the groups. The body temperature of calves of the suckler cow herd was significan tly higher. Hemoglobin content of the veal calves was significantly hi gher until the third month of life. The findings changed with increasi ng age and at the end of the experimental period significantly higher values were observed in calves of the suckler herd. Marked differences were also observed in the carbon dioxide pressures which were signifi cantly higher in veal calves. Also significantly greater values for th e acid-base balance were observed in veal calves. The results ave disc ussed in relation to problems of intensive fattening of calves compare d to the management of calves in suckler cow herds. A review of the hi story of calf management is also given.