Mineral status in blood serum of newborn calves in Assiut Governorate

Abstract EN

The dynamics of some serum mineral concentrations during the first weeks of life of native and crossbred newborn calves in Assiut governorate were investigated.

Blood samples of 25 Balady and 25 crossbred (Friesian x native) male calves were investigated.

Blood was drawn from calves at 1, 7, 14 and 21 days after parturition.

Serum levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), potassium (K), iron (Fe), Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were monitored.

Levels of Ca, P, Fe, Cu and Zn increased (P < 0.05) in relation to age of Balady and crossbred calves when compared by the day 1 of age.

In contrast, decreased in concentrations of Na and Cl (P < 0.05) in relation to age of Balady and crossbred calves when compared by the day 1 of age were detected whereas Mg and K values remained unchanged.

Native calves had higher (P < 0.05) Ca, P and Fe in the 7th day than crossbred calves whereas Na and Cl were higher (P < 0.05) in native calves than crossbred calves at the first day after birth.

Results from this study suggested that breed and age may play an important role in mineral homeostasis during the first weeks of life in the newly borne bovine calves.