Hand rearing lion cubs
The mother’s milk will vary depending on stage of lactation
(Oftedal, 1984). The nutrient content of milk for lion cubs is 30.8% protein,
57.9% fat, 11.2% carbohydrate and 30.2% dry matter (Jenness and Solan, 1970).
Esbilac® is
a milk formula which is closest in composition to lioness milk. It contains
33.2% protein, 43.0% fat, 15.8% carbohydrate and 15.2% dry matter. Also
products such as, Lactaid® can be added to formulas to assist with
carbohydrate digestion.
Cubs should be weighed daily, at the same time each time to allow accurate comparison of weight over time. Amount to feed should be based on body weight. A general amount guide for cats is 20 % of body weight per 24-hour period.
Carnivore maximum stomach capacity is 5-7% of body weight. Consequently, to feed 20% of body weight, a minimum of 5 feeds should be offered.
In general, felids of the genus Panthera nurse well from human nursing bottles. Preemie nipples or cross cut normal nipples can be used.
Solids can be introduced at 5-6 weeks in the form of a nutritionally complete canned food or a blended nutritionally complete raw meat diet. The blended, canned or raw meat diet can be added to the formula in the bowl. The formula amount can begin to decrease as a percent of body weight. Complete removal of formula can occur between 7-12 weeks.
A detailed nursery log should be kept recording date, times fed, amount fed, body weight, urination/defecation, stool condition, remarks/notes. A sample nursery log is in the appendix, along with a faecal scoring chart. Keeping a log will help to assess progress. This information can be used to determine if changes are needed/foresee any potential problems.
Cubs should be weighed daily, at the same time each time to allow accurate comparison of weight over time. Amount to feed should be based on body weight. A general amount guide for cats is 20 % of body weight per 24-hour period.
Carnivore maximum stomach capacity is 5-7% of body weight. Consequently, to feed 20% of body weight, a minimum of 5 feeds should be offered.
In general, felids of the genus Panthera nurse well from human nursing bottles. Preemie nipples or cross cut normal nipples can be used.
Solids can be introduced at 5-6 weeks in the form of a nutritionally complete canned food or a blended nutritionally complete raw meat diet. The blended, canned or raw meat diet can be added to the formula in the bowl. The formula amount can begin to decrease as a percent of body weight. Complete removal of formula can occur between 7-12 weeks.
A detailed nursery log should be kept recording date, times fed, amount fed, body weight, urination/defecation, stool condition, remarks/notes. A sample nursery log is in the appendix, along with a faecal scoring chart. Keeping a log will help to assess progress. This information can be used to determine if changes are needed/foresee any potential problems.