Development quality and adaptation of dairy calves at specific age periodsin early life. Effects of rearing conditions on proteins, minerals and on metabolic variables of blood

Calves from the dairy herd of the institute reared in groups with changing (Gw, N 16, m 9, w 7) and constant composition (Gk, N 16, m 9, w 7) since th e first day of life and single box reared carves (E, N 11, m 7, w 4) were t ested at 15, 30, 60 and 90 days of age. Venous blood samples were analysed for total protein, albumin, creatinine, blood urea, glucose, Ca, Mg, P and iron. At 15 days between group differences of mean values existed for total protein, albumin, blood urea, creatinine and at 30 days for rectal tempera ture, albumin, blood urea, Ca, P and Fe, at 60 days for blood urea, glucose , Ca, Mg, P and at 90 days for total protein, albumin, creatinine, glucose, Mg and P. Interactions between group and gender could not be demonstrated. Significant changes of variables with age were most frequent in calves of group Gk, and more frequent with creatinine, blood urea, Fe and glucose. Cr eatinine concentration diminished permanently with age of the animals, that one of total protein and albumin increased moderately. Blood urea was high er at 90 days, and serum iron at 60 and 90 days than before. Blood glucose concentration at 90 days was lower in carves of group Gw and Gk comparing g roup E. Significant group differences appeared at 15 days (total protein, a lbumin, blood urea, creatinine) and remained till 60 days (blood urea) and 90 days (total protein, albumin) or became stronger at 90 days (creatinine) . Total protein, albumin and blood urea were higher in group E than in grou p Gk and Gw calves. Group Gw calves had smallest glucose concentrations at 60 and 90 days. Significant between groups differences for Ca, Mg, P existe d for all sampling points, those for serum iron at 30 days only. Greater Ca and Mg Values were found in group Gk and group E calves, greater P concent rations up to 60 days of age in group E calves. P concentrations changed di fferently in group Gk and group Gw calves with age. Creatinine showed moder ately high between sampling point correlations. Changes of variables in cal ves between age points in relation to the starting situation at 15 days of age showed significant correlations in many cases meaning that there were d irected individual and time specific adaptation processes.