From September 2010 until April 2011, a field study including 519 calves from 36 farms serviced by a single veterinary practice in Upper Bavaria was performed, in order to determine the influence of non-infectious factors on the incidence of selected neonatal diseases. During the first two weeks after birth, the calves were examined clinically daily or every other day, and a blood sample was taken between 24 and 72 hours after birth. In addition, birth management and colostrum supply was documented in collaboration with the farmers using questionnaires. γ-GT-activity, total protein and albumin concentrations in serum were determined, and their correlation with colostrum supply was calculated.