Effect of Skim-Milk Feeding on the Flow and Composition of Thoracic Duct and Intestinal Lymph in Young Calves

Abstract

The effect of feeding skim milk on the flow and composition of lymph from thoracic and intestinal ducts was studied in young calves by means of lymphatico-venous shunts. The changes observed were similar for both thoracic duct and intestinal lymph. Skim-milk feeding significantly reduced lymph flow but had no effect on total protein concentration in lymph and no effect on lymph: plasma ratios for total protein concentration. It is suggested that the reduction in lymph flow observed when calves are fed skim milk is due to a decreased blood flow through the intestinal capillaries.