Lecture 3: Nutrition of the Neonate

Question 1

Describe normal feeding behavior from birth to weaning.

Answer 1

0-24 hours: natural suckling or assisted feeding (bucket, esophageal tube, eye dropper

Day 1-7: from colostrum to milk, frequent feeding and resting; functional GI develops; avoid neonatal pathogens

Day 7+: Increase milk consumption; explore other feeds; growth and increased activity

Question 2

Describe normal feeding behavior from birth to weaning. PUPPIES

Answer 2

Suckle 4-6 times a day
Solid food at 3-4 weeks
Wean 8-10 weeks

Question 3

Describe normal feeding behavior from birth to weaning. FOALS

Answer 3

Suckle 1-2min, 3-7 times/hr
Interest in dam’s food at several days of age
Wean 4-7 months

Question 4

Describe normal feeding behavior from birth to weaning. DAIRY CALVES/KIDS

Answer 4

Separated at birth, colostrum day 1 followed by milk replaced or whole milk
Started grain milk and water provided; rumen development enhanced MORE BY GRAIN than hay
Wean 6-12 weeks

Question 5

Describe normal feeding behavior from birth to weaning. BEEF CALVES/KIDS

Answer 5

Mom’s milk until weaning:

• Lambs 2-4 months
• calves 6-8 months

Question 6

Compare milk from small and large animal species

Answer 6

Small Animal milk HIGHER Protein fat and solid content and LESS sugar

Bigger litter –> milk is dryer, less water, more protein, more fat because need higher energy density

Mare has LOTS of SUGAR!