The dynamics of some serum mineral concentrations during the first weeks of life of native and crossbred newborn calves in Assiut governorate were investigated. Blood samples of 25 Balady and 25 crossbred (Friesian x native) male calves were investigated. Blood was drawn from calves at 1, 7, 14 and 21 days after parturition. Serum levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), potassium (K), iron (Fe), Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were monitored. Levels of Ca, P, Fe, Cu and Zn increased (P < 0.05) in relation to age of Balady and crossbred calves when compared by the day 1 of age. In contrast, decreased in concentrations of Na and Cl (P < 0.05) in relation to age of Balady and crossbred calves when compared by the day 1 of age were detected whereas Mg and K values remained unchanged. Native calves had higher (P < 0.05) Ca, P and Fe in the 7th day than crossbred calves whereas Na and Cl were higher (P < 0.05) in native calves than crossbred calves at the first day after birth. Results from this study suggested that breed and age may play an important role in mineral homeostasis during the first weeks of life in the newly borne bovine calves.

A clinical study was conducted under field condition during the period from January 2005 to December 2008 in Beni-Suef province on a total number of 15 calves suffered from congenital penile urethral dilatation at the perineal region. The affection was diagnosed and treated surgically under field condition and treatment included perineal urethrostomy (8 calves) and partial resection of penis including the dilated urethra (7 calves). Results revealed that duration of surgery for urethrostomy was shorter (mean 36.25 minutes) than penile resection (mean 85.71 minutes), bleeding was so extensive in penile resection group than urethrostomy one and cost of surgery was lower for urethrostomy than penile resection but aftercare cost was twice that of penile resection. Complications were higher in urethrostomy group, recovery period was nearly the same in both groups (14.37 and 14.28 days), mean body gain was higher in penile resection group (82 kg) than urethrostomy group (77.14 kg), and both groups considered of low quality animals at market as a result of loss of breeding capability and presence of urine scald. It could be concluded that both techniques are satisfactory but partial penile resection including the dilated urethra is superior to urethrostomy despite the higher cost and invasive surgical procedure.