Electrolyte Status and Fecal Consistency in Newborn Calves

In order to evaluate the change in plasma and fecal mineral content of calves to 6 days of age, and to clarify the relationship between electrolyte status and fecal consistency in calves at 6 days of age, data were collected from 52 Holstein calves. Fecal DM and Na of calves decreased at 6 days of age, but fecal Ca, P, Mg, K, Fe and Zn increased. Plasma Ca, inorganic P, Mg, Na, and Fe as well as blood hematocrit and hemoglobin of calves decreased at 6 days of age, but plasma alkaline phosphatase increased. Colostral Ca, P, Mg, Fe and Zn decreased with time postpartum, but colostral Na and K were not affected. The high plasma Na and K of calves at 6 days of age were influenced by the values at birth. There were negative correlations between fecal DM and fecal Na, and fecal K, of calves at 6 days of age, negative correlations between fecal DM and plasma Na, with plasma K. Plasma and fecal Na as well as plasma and fecal K of calves at 6 days of age were increased by the occurrence of diarrhea. These results suggest that the electrolyte status of calves at 6 days of age is adversely affected by the occurrence of diarrhea, and high plasma K and Na of calves at 6 days of age may be partly due to the electolyte status of calves at birth.