The Effects of Diet (goat milk vs. milk replacer) and age on serum complement system activity in goat kids

Abstract

Twenty new born male kids were allotted into two groups to evaluate the effects of diet and age on complement system activity in serum. After the colostrum feeding period, the control group (C) received commercial milk replacer, and the GM group was fed with goat milk. The kids were fed colostrum for 2 days and then milk replacer or goat milk from days 3 to 60. Blood samples were taken at 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 d of age. Complement system activity was higher (P<0.05) in the GM group every time samples were taken. The control kids did not present complement activity at any time.