[Test of phagocytic activity of blood leukocytes in calves].

The 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate-particle (HEMA) phagocytosis method in whole blood was adapted to the evaluation of the phagocytic activity of the leucocytes of calves. Several test variants were compared and the best procedure was determined, based on the following principles: keeping the heparin concentration at 10 i. u. in 1 ml of blood at the maximum, using fresh samples, incubating at 37 degrees C for 0.5 to 1 hour, thoroughly agitating the sample after incubation, with possible addition of EDTA. The phagocytic activity of nine calves, 2.5 to 3 months old, was examined by the proposed procedure and 18.6% phagocytic leucocytes were found, the phagocytic index being 7.07%.