What is colostrum and why is it important for newborn kittens and puppies?

The first milk produced by a mother mammal after delivering her babies is called colostrum. This special milk contains antibodies, along with vitamins, electrolytes, and nutrients. Through her colostrum, the mother passes on her own natural immunity to her young as they nurse.

After just one day, a newborn’s digestive tract loses the ability to absorb antibodies. The mother’s milk becomes richer, and the colostrum is gone. Newborns have undeveloped immune systems. So, without colostrum’s protective antibodies, an illness can be fatal. If your cat or dog isn’t nursing her young, gently hold her down, and help the babies latch on. Even a few minutes of nursing can greatly improve their chances of survival.

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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