The study examined the effect of the human handling of newborn calves on their development and immune system efficiency. Holstein-Friesian calves in one group were licked after birth by the mother, whereas the other group were handled by a human. Daily gains were controlled, and blood was collected for protein fractions and complete blood count analysis. The replacement of natural maternal care (licking) of a newborn calf by a human did not adversely affect the development and health of the calf.