Impact of α-casein deficient milk on pup growth.

<p><b>Panel A:</b> Growth curve of three different groups of mice during lactation (G1: wild-type pups nursed by wild-type dams n = 34; G2: wild-type pups nursed by α-casein deficient [−/−] dams, n = 25; and G3: heterozygous pups nursed by wild-type dams, n = 22). Values shown are +/− standard deviation. All weight differences between group G2 vs. G1 and G3 were significant from day 7 (p<0.001) as assessed by ANOVA. <b>Panel B:</b> Percentage weight gain throughout different stages of life for the three experimental groups. The weight of individual mice was compared on two days (as indicated: e.g. 1/3 corresponds to the interval between day 3 and day 1 of life) and the percent weight increase was recorded. The average for all mice in the three experimental groups is shown for consecutive time periods. <b>Panel C:</b> Growth curve of mice in the three groups over the first 6 months of life. Mice nursed by α-casein deficient dams show a consistent growth deficiency. <b>Panel D:</b> Growth curve of mice in the three groups of mice over the first 6 months of life separated by gender. Error bars represent standard deviations.