[Trace element supply of newborn calves. Effect of the mother and of the genetic makeup, sex and degree of maturity of the newborn].

Stillborn calves of a large dairy cattle herd were used for investigations of trace element (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn) content of the liver and heart muscle. Trace element content varied markedly in the liver and in the heart muscle too but in the heart muscle with a smaller degree. Calves from heifers had a greater trace element content in the liver and heart muscle than those from cows. Premature calves had small amounts of Mn and Cu in their livers and small but term calves had less Fe and Zn in their livers. Single calves from cows had a greater amount of trace elements in the liver and heart muscle than twin calves.