The response of various hematologic parameters in the young bovine subjected to multiple phlebotomies

Specific guidelines for the optimal collection of blood from calves maintained as donors do not exist. This investigation was conducted to document erythrocytic changes in calves subjected to controlled blood loss. Two groups of Holstein calves ranging in age from 2 to 5 months were compared. Six animals were designated controls and six were subjected to a series of three blood collections over an 8 day period. Each collection was roughly 50% of the total circulating blood volume (30 ml/kg of body weight). Hematologic values were compared for 18 days. All calves survived the study. There was no significant difference in circulating cortisol levels or growth rate between groups. Packed cell volumes (PCVs) for the phlebotomized group did not return to original levels during the monitoring period (initial 36%, final 26%), but were within normal limits at 30 days. All phlebotomized calves had a high reticulocyte count (0% control, 11% phlebotomized). Reticulocytes were not observed until the PCV fell below 20. HbF to HbA ratios were a sensitive and acute indicator of accelerated erythropoiesis. Variant ratios stabilized within 18 days. Other parameters compared were red cell indices, total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, total plasma protein, total hemoglobin values, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios.