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feeding of lactating bitches and puppies
Period of puppies nursing or lactation lasts 4—6 weeks for dogs. Lactation period length depends on individual features and feeding. Right after birth bitch's breasts express milk, milk output is different on different lactation stages. Milk production usually grows up to 20—25th day after birth, and then reduces gradually.
Bitches' milk components output is based on food nutrients. So need for energy, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals is higher than non-lactating bitches have. Lactation is the best test for adequacy for any food ration. Bitch shall not only satisfy own organism needs, but also have nutrients enough for synthesis of appropriate amount of milk with composition sufficient to provide grow and developing of puppies.
Required amount of nutrients depends on energy consumption norm, as well as on size, age and belly size of the bitch. For example, bitch with live mass 61 lbs 11 oz / 28 kg nurses six 4-week-old puppies 4 lb 3 oz / 2,5 kg each.
Every puppy of that age demands 502 kCal / 2101 kJ a day, which shall be supplied with mother's milk. So, the bitch shall provide 3012,5 kCal / 12608,2 kJ a day.
Bitch's milk contains about 1350 kCal / 5651 kJ per litre / quart, so daily amount of milk shall be 2,3 litres / 2,4 quarts.
Milk production takes some energy. Accepting milk production as 75%, get 4015,3 kCal / 16806,79 kJ required to be consumed from ration to produce 3012,5 kCal / 12608,2 kJ as milk. Moreover, to keep live mass and health bitch usually requires 1529,6 kCal / 6400 kJ a day.
So, total amount of energy demanded is 5544,9 kCal / 23211 kJ a day what is almost 4 times more than energy needs for own organism keeping.
Goes clear why is it recommended to feed this amount of food in several steps by small portions. If the bitch has not enough milk or she doesn't consume all food required, there may be need in additional feeding of puppies from early age. Calculation above is based on caloric needs for milk synthesis. Though need for other nutrients is increased either. If well-balanced ration for lactating bitch is arranged, there's no need in special vitamin or mineral additives.
First 6 hours after giving birth, do not give any food to the bitch. You just shall keep fresh water nearside. Following two hours feed moderately to let her organism to recover. Food shall be easy digestible given 5—6 times a day Best food for that period will be meat bouillon, washy meat soup with rice, manna or grinding oat cereals.
From 4th day after giving birth feed following established standards. Include fresh meat, fresh variety meat, milk, and curd to provide wholesome proteins and stimulate production of greater amount of milk.
To be easier digested pultaceous (to stimulate better milk production) food shall be fed to lactating bitches not less than 3 times a day. Ration shall be enriched by minerals and vitamins.
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