*2.3. Blood Variables*

Blood samples were collected by jugular venopunction using vacutainer® (needle 20G x1"). Three collection tubes were used: A tube without additives was used for measurements of cortisol and haptoblogin (HPT) serum levels, a tube with EDTA was used for creatine kinase (CK) and betahydroxybutyrate (β-HB) measurements, and a third collection tube with NaF was used for glycemia measurements. All blood samples were placed immediately on ice, then centrifuged (2500 rpm for 5 min) for plasma or serum harvest, and stored at −20 ◦C for subsequent lab analysis. Plasma cortisol concentrations were determined by chemiluminescent immunoassay radioimmunoassay (CLIA) and glucose plasma concentrations were determined using the GOD-PAP test. The concentrations of β-HB were determined using the enzymatic technique that used the 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase enzyme, and plasma CK activity was measured using the IFCC and ECCLS kinetic method. Serum haptoglobin concentrations were determined using the commercial kit Tridelta PHASE Haptoglobin Assay (Tridelta Development Ltd., County Kildare, Ireland).

## *2.4. Live Weight (LW)*

All calves were individually weighed after all other measurements were taken, using a mechanical cattle scale (0.5–1000 kg).
