Blood Chemistry Changes During Starvation And Their Possible Relationship With Growth Rate In Dairy Heifers

Abstract

In a group of 10 replacement dairy heifers (aged about 11 months), there were significant changes in PCV, Hb, total protein, globulin, glucose, total leukocytes, urea, Ca, inorganic phosphorus and Mg concentrations during 40 h food deprivation. The response differed significantly between heifers for PCV, Hb, total protein, globulin, glucose, total leukocytes, urea, creatinine and Mg. Significant partial correlation coefficients were obtained between plasma Mg and urea concentrations and growth rate (between 1 and 11 months of age).