Feeding for gestation and lactation
This life stage is considered to be the most physically challenging , with significant nutritional demand placed on the dam and offspring , both of which are in a positive energy and nitrogen balance ( Fascetti & Delaney , 2012 ). A bitch or queen should be an ideal weight and body condition before breeding and fed an appropriate complete diet . Dietary intake should provide all necessary energy and nutrient requirements to support maintenance and milk production of the bitch or queen , in addition to the growth and development of puppies or kittens . Provided the diet is of good quality and is specifically formulated for the required species and life stage , routine supplementation is not required and can be detrimental to the dam and foetus .
Key nutritional factors of healthy cats and dogs during reproduction can be found in Table 4 , with energy requirements for both species outlined in Table 5 ( overleaf ). Immediately before and post parturition , food intake may reduce , but lactation is considered to be the most demanding life stage , prompting a rapid increase in food and energy requirements . Fresh food and water should be easily accessible ( Figure 2 ).
Cats
Energy intake increases shortly after conception , so queens should be fed a diet formulated for growth before breeding and this diet should be continued until weaning . Throughout gestation , energy requirements increase by an estimated 25 – 50 % ( Gross et al ., 2010 ). A suitable diet
Figure 2 . Lactation is the most physically demanding life-stage , requiring easily accessible fresh food and water . Photo courtesy of Harry Bardsley .
will be energy-dense , highly digestible and palatable , and should be fed ad libitum ( Fascetti & Delaney , 2012 ) with close monitoring of body condition . Following weaning , a diet suitable for the adult life stage should be reintroduced , feeding an appropriate quantity for maintenance energy requirements ( MER ) ( Fascetti & Delaney , 2012 ).
Table 4 . Key nutritional factors of healthy cats and dogs during reproduction ( FEDIAF , 2021 ). Unless otherwise stated , minimum recommended nutrient levels are provided , with units expressed per 100 g dry matter .
Key nutritional factor Cats Dogs
Water Water requirements increase significantly during this life stage , particularly during lactation , so animals should have unlimited access to clean , fresh water . Some animals may be reluctant to leave the nest box in the post-partum period , so water should also be readily accessible . Requirements will vary according to maintenance needs , type of food ( moist / dry ) and milk production .
The daily fluid requirement can be calculated using one of the following formulas : 50 – 60 ml / kg / day or 1 – 2 ml / kg / hour .
Protein 30 g 25 g Fat 9 g 8.5 g Calcium ( Ca ) 1.0 g ( min ) 1.0 g ( min )– 1.6 g ( max ) Phosphorus ( P ) 0.84 g 0.9 g Ca : P ratio 1:1 ( min ) 1:1 ( min )– 1.6:1 ( max ) Potassium 0.6 g 0.44 g Sodium 0.16 g 0.22 g Chloride 0.24 g 0.33 g Magnesium 0.05 g 0.04 g
VOL 38 • July 2022
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