Physiological variables in suckler cows and in their calves during the course of a grazing period

On German Red Pied and German Black Pied cattle kept as suckler cows and in their calves investigations were done at the end of winter stalling and re peatedly in the course of pasturing period. Blood samples were analysed for acid-base balance, gas content and pressure, hemoglobin concentration (Hb) , hemoglobin derivatives and variants, hematocrite (Hk), total protein, alb umin, blood urea, glucose, lactate, creatinine, Ca, Mg, P and Fe. Total pro tein, albumin, blood urea, Ca, Hb, Hk, O(2)CAP, O2CONT were higher and crea tinine, glucose, P and Fe were smaller in cows on pasture comparing the end of stalling period. In calves the changes of variables were of the same quality as in the dams but of different degree. Mg and lactate had moderate variations between sam pling points. Different mean values between German Red Pied and German Black Pied cattle and between younger and older darns could be demonstrated for some variable s at all sampling points and for other variables at the start and at the en d of pasturing period only. For some variables high between sampling point correlation could be establi shed. The changes of some variables of cattle going on pasture had signific ant relationships with the starting values at the end of the stalling perio d. The regressions of these correlations show the direction and degree of t he adaptation processes. Directed and individual specific reactions could b e observed in setting the levels of physiological variables in case of deve lopment of specific functional states (pregnancy, lactation) and adaptation of adult animals going on pasture and in case of optimizing functional com ponents in growing cattle.