[Development of water space volumes in calves during the first month of life. II. Changes in the extracellular and intracellular volumes].

Abstract

The experiment has been performed on the same flock as mentioned in Part I. The extra cellular fluid amount was determined by the rhadonate method. The volume of intracellular fluid was calculated as a difference between the total water amount and the extracellular fluid volume. The absolute content of extracellular fluid in calves' constitutions between 5th and 31st day of animal lives fluctuated statistically only slightly. The observed stability of ECF volume in litres seems to be caused mainly by the changes in interstitial fluid content. The extracellular fluid volume calculated both per one kilogram of a calf body and per square metre of its body area became significantly reduced within the experimental period which fact found its statistical confirmation. The results appeared negatively and veritably correlated with animal ages. Expressed in litres as well as calculated per units of weight and body area of a calf the volume of intracellular fluid showed a statistically confirmed and significant increase for a period from calf's 5th to 31st day of life. The observed ICF volume increase appeared veritably correlated with ages, weights and body areas of the examined animals.