Metabolic profile of neonatal crossbred calves.
Colostrum, hematology, metabolism, calves, neonates
will be evaluated Twelve crossbred calves from birth to 15 days of age . After birth, the calves will remain with their mothers for the time necessary for the first feeding. If voluntary colostrum intake does not occur within four hours they will be removed and given colostrum by esophageal catheter. On the first day the colostrum will be supplied by bottle, 6, 12 and 24 h after the first feeding. On days 2 and 3 they will be provided colostrum at 12-h intervals (morning and afternoon) and afterwards, milk in two daily meals, through a bottle. From the birth will be offered solid food (bulky (hay) and concentrate) kept at the disposal of the calves. Immediately after birth, at two, six, 12 and 24 hours, and on days 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 and 15, blood samples will be taken with and without EDTA for hemogram and serum biochemistry, respectively. The parameters of the energy, lipid and protein profile (glucose, betahydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids, total cholesterol, triglycerides, albumin, total protein, urea, creatinine and AST, CK, FA and GGT enzyme activity) will be evaluated.