Acid-base balance and selected hematologic, electrolytic, and blood chemical variables in calves nursing cows: one week through fifteen weeks.

Definition was given to acid-base balance, erythrocyte variables, serum iron, and several plasma variables in nursing calves, beginning at 1 week of age to 15 weeks of age. Of all the variables measured (once a week), arterial blood pH was the only one for which there was a significant difference due to sex of the calves (female calves had blood slightly more acidic than did male calves). Significant differences due to time were noted for the erythrocyte variables and for plasma potassium and chloride ion and serum iron concentrations. There were no significant changes from week to week for the acid-base balance variables. A significant sex X time interaction was noted for serum iron concentration-after week 6, the concentration of iron in female calves was higher than it was in male calves.