VARIATIONS WITH AGE IN THE PLASMA IRON AND TOTAL IRON‐BINDING CAPACITY IN DAIRY CALVES

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Abstract
Summary: Plasma iron concentrations and total iron‐binding capacity were determined in dairy calves of both sexes at various ages from birth to 15 months. In most of the calves examined, plasma iron concentrations increased considerably at some time between 1 and 3 weeks after birth, declining within the next few days to levels similar to those found in adult cattle. Values for total iron‐binding capacity increased sharply after birth, reaching maximum values between 1 and 5 weeks later. Values then declined up to the age of 3 months. In calves aged from 3 to 15 months, plasma iron levels of female calves decreased with age, and by 15 months were significantly lower than those of male calves of the same age. Total iron‐binding capacity values of male calves increased with age from 3 to 15 months, but no significant difference in this index between sexes was observed at any one age.

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