This study investigates the nutritional, metabolic, and microbiological effects of goat milk–derived formula alternatives (GMDFA) in infants aged two months who are unable to exclusively breastfeed. The project compares GMDFA with undiluted goat milk and benchmarks outcomes against exclusively breastfed infants to determine whether GMDFA offers a safer and more biologically appropriate substitute.

Through detailed assessment of growth indicators, metabolic profiles, micronutrient status, inflammatory biomarkers, and gut microbiome composition, the study aims to characterize how alternative feeding regimens influence early infant development and health. By integrating clinical measurements with laboratory-based analyses, the project seeks to generate evidence to guide safe feeding practices for vulnerable infants in rural settings where breastfeeding challenges are common and inappropriate substitutes, such as undiluted goat milk, are frequently used.

The findings are expected to inform policy, clinical guidance, and community-level counseling on optimal feeding strategies for non-exclusively breastfed infants in Pakistan and similar low-resource contexts.

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