[Development of water space volumes in calves during the first month of life. I. Changes in the total amount of water].

The experiment has been carried out on twelve cb. race calves, all being 5 to 31 days old. During the experimental period each calf was examined 12 times in order to determine the total water volume within its constitution by the antipyrine method. The total water amount in litres significantly increased during the experimental period and this fact found its statistical confirmation. The values obtained, proved to be in positive and essential correlation with the age of calf, its weight and body area. The observed total water volume increase was caused by a quickly increasing intracellular liquid volume. The total water volume per one kilogram of a calf body however, systematically decreased during the whole experimental period. The phenomenon was due to a significant reduction of the extracellular fluid amount in ml/kg. The results that have been obtained in the experimental appeared to be negatively but veritably correlated with the age of examined animals. The total water volume per square metre of a calf body area during the first month of animals life showed only slight and statistically negligible fluctuations.