Response of the gastrointestinal tract to premature weaning in experimental animals.

Weaning is an important period in the life of all mammals including the human. During this time the external and internal environment exhibits substantial changes that are in concert under normal conditions. Premature weaning interferes with the development of various functions. Studies demonstrate that premature weaning has immediate and delayed effects. The analysis of the delayed (late) effects of the premature weaning has considerable significance in the advancement of effective preventive medicine.