Eighty-two multiparous Holstein cows were fed diets differing in dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) and calcium concentrations, in a randomized block design experiment with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, beginning 4 wk before anticipated calving to determine the effects on colostrum yield and quality and acid-base balance of calves. Diets were formulated to provide 2 DCAD [−22 mEq/100 g DM (NEG) or −3 mEq/100 g DM (NEU)] and 2 Ca concentrations (1.0 or 1.5% of DM). Calves were fed a commercial colostrum replacer to provide 200 g of IgG within 4 h of birth. Blood samples were collected before and 24 to 36 h after the initial colostrum replacer feeding for analysis of plasma minerals and blood gases. Cows were milked within 2 to 8 h after calving and colostrum yield recorded. A sample of colostrum was collected for Brix analysis by refractometer immediately after sample collections. Birth weight and dystocia score were not different (P > 0.10) among treatments and averaged 42.7 kg and 1.12, respectively. No differences (P > 0.10) were observed in colostrum yield among treatments, which averaged 8.75 kg. Colostrum quality, as measured using a Brix refractometer, was not affected by prepartum DCAD but was higher (P = 0.0442) for 1.0% compared with 1.5% Ca: 21.58% and 19.87%, respectively. No differences (P > 0.10) were observed in plasma concentrations of Ca, P, K, Cl, anion gap, or whole blood pH, pO₂, pCO₂, or SO₂ of calves due to treatment. Plasma Mg (P = 0.0391) and lactate (P = 0.0591) were higher for calves born to cows fed 1.0% compared with 1.5% Ca. Interactions of DCAD and Ca were observed for plasma Na (P = 0.0232), plasma Cl (P = 0.0619) and whole blood HCO₃ (P = 0.0515) due to higher concentrations observed with NEG and 1.0% Ca compared with NEG and 1.5% Ca. Feeding prepartum diets with 1.5% compared with 1.0% Ca concentrations reduced plasma Mg and lactate concentrations in calves immediately after birth and reduced Brix value of colostrum. Results of this trial indicate that feeding −22 mEq/100 g DM prepartum does not alter blood mineral or gas concentrations of calves compared with feeding a −3 mEq/100 g DM diet.