Lecture 4a - Lifecycle nutrition of cats Flashcards
What do nursing kittens depend on the queen for?
- food
- antibodies
- warmth
- hygiene
Why is body temperature poorly regulated in nursing kittens?
Lack of insulation, body fat, and generally immature.
- body temp is poorly regulated during first 4 weeks
- Queen maintains temperature and humidity of nest box
- hyperthermia as detrimental as hypothermia
When is it essential for kittens to consume colostrum?
Within 12 hours after birth
- ~16 hours after birth passive immunoglobulin transfer stops
- This is how maternal antibodies are transferred to the kitten; needed because their immunity has not kicked in yet
Describe the general composition of colostrum.
HIGH antibody (protein) content
- Protein and lipid levels decline from day 1 to 3
Low lactose level
- increases as lactation continues
High DM content
What are the consequences of failure to consume colostrum?
Increased risk of morbidity and mortality because the kitten will have no internal immunity and is too young to build up its own innate immunity.
NOTE: after 24hrs the antibodies are still in the milk but the passive transfer system in the kitten is discontinued.
What is the name of the discontinued passive transfer system?
cap closure
What is complete nutrition for nursing kittens?
Milk
Why is milk sufficient for NORMAL growth and development of kittens?
- water, protein, fat, lactose, minerals and vitamins
- high levels of arginine and taurine
- essential fatty acids
- milk DHA concentration reflects queen’s intake
What is DHA? What are some sources?
DHA is one of the polyunsaturated fatty acids very important for brain development together with APE
- found in marine life
- milk DHA concentration reflects queen’s intake
Is milk sufficient to maximize growth rate?
NO!
- evidence in bone development, insufficient for skeletal calcification
- Ca:N ratio (index of unmineralized bone) reduces during suckling
What are 3 positive non-nutritive factors found in milk?
- increase food digestion
- increase neonatal development
- increase immune protection
What happens as lactation progresses?
- increase in milk energy, protein, lactose, Ca and P levels
- decrease in Cu, Fe and Mg
- Zn remains constant
What are examples of growth factors?
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)
- produced by the liver and locally in adult animals when an animal is well fed
- also present in MILK to stimulate the development of the gut wall; makes sure the gut is properly prepared for its digestive and absorptive role
How does cat’s milk compare to ruminant milk in terms of protein?
Cat milk is richer in proteins
What is the relation between milk protein and growth rate?
Species that grow the fastest have the highest protein density in milk
Does energy content of milk increase or decrease with progressing lactation?
Increases
What could influence energy requirements?
- thermoneutral (aka temp)
- growth rate
- body wt
- activity level
- fur (poor insulation capacity at birth)
- # of kittens; a group can cuddle for heat
What is the CHO requirement for nursing kittens?
No CHO requirement established
Why might overfeeding with cow’s milk be detrimental to a kitten?
Improper nutrient balance; less protein and Ca & P
How does milk aid in immunity?
Milk provides local immunoglobins in gut (IgA
What should be used to feed orphan kittens?
Milk replacer
- lactose as a purified ingredient
- highly digestible proteins
- highly digestible fats
What happens during weaning? When does it start and when does it end?
- Queen starts avoiding kittens
- Kittens start eating increasing amounts of food
- Starts 3-4 weeks of age
- Completed 6-10 weeks of age
What does late weaning allow for?
More time for immune system maturation
- decrease in kitten mortality in post weaning phase
What happens if weaning is forced?
Stressful event in kitten’s life
- increased morbidity and mortality in post weaning period
- reduced immune defense
