Studies were carried out in 2 groups of calves from cows fed a hay-free keto- and acidosis-producing diet (group I) and a diet containing an excess of protein and starch (group II). The laboratory studies were conducted: in cows ante partum, and in calves prior to and 3 hours after drinking colostrum, and on the 1st, 3rd, 14th and 30th day of life. The determined parameters were: hematologic, acid alkaline balance and metabolism of protein, saccharide and fat. The calves from the cows of both groups were born underweight with metabolic acidosis in group I and compensated acid-alkaline balance in group II. Changes in proteins, lipids, i.e. compounds produced by the liver were found to be the most dynamic and the most pronounced in calves from group I. The calves from this group were also much slower to reach the physiological norms of adult cows. The conclusions drawn are as follows: 1. Systemic acidosis distinctly inhibits the concentration of the compounds produced by the liver; 2. The diet containing an excess of and starch, though it does not affect the acid-alkaline balance, does lead to liver dysfunction; 3. Within one month the calves failed to reach the normal functional performance of the liver of adult cows.