[Buffer systems, electrolytes, pH and erythrocyte indices in the blood of cows and calves in the perinatal period].

Determinations of pH, buffer systems, electrolyte levels and erythrocyte indices were carried out in the blood taken from the external cervical vein, arterial and venous vessels of the cow uterus and the umbilical cord of 9 healthy cows and their progeny, in the pre- and postnatal period. In this period the levels of the determined biochemical indices did not undergo any significant variations in the cows. The animals showed a normal acid-basic equilibrium. In contrast to the peripheral blood that of the uterus veins and arteries possessed higher levels of hydrogen carbonates, a higher partial CO2 pressure, but lower levels of electrolytes, hemoglobin and different oxygen exchange indices. The blood of calves in fetal life and at least till the 8th day after delivery showed the features of respiratory acidemia with relative hypercapnia. On feeding with colostrum, blood pH and buffer systems were normalized about the 10th day life of the new-born calf. A decrease in the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin content and hematocrit value was observed in cows and calves after delivery. A simultaneous increase in the red blood cell volume and the level of bilirubin intensified hemolysis and aqueous shifts.