[Glycemia and glycosuria in the search for new energy sources for calves].

Monosaccharide (glucose), disaccharide (saccharose hydrolysate) and polysaccharide (maltodextrin KMS-X 70) were administered perorally to the calves of three age categories (pre-rumination, transition, rumination period) after 12-hour fasting. The following characteristics were investigated: glycaemia, glycosuria, lactic acid concentration, plasma osmolality, hematocrit value, net acid-base secretion and excrement dry matter. The degree of saccharide utilization was evaluated from glycaemia, glycosuria and clinical condition. The administration of maltodextrins to calves at the age of two to three weeks was not found convenient. The absorption of saccharose (hydrolyzate depended strongly on age. The saccharose hydrolyzate dose of 2.5 g per kg l. w. was calculated with respect to glycaemia and glycosuria, but not to the excrement dry matter content. In comparison with glucose absorption, saccharose hydrolyzate seems to be a convenient energy source for calves of different age categories.