Abstract

In very recent years, successes in hand-rearing orphaned, stranded, or captive cetacean calves which have failed to thrive have become more frequent. Guidelines for daily caloric requirements, caloric and nutrient assay of the formula used1, and monitoring via accurate daily weights of the calf, are major factors in successfully raising these calves. Basic techniques and daily calorie requirements have been documented for three species in this paper. They are Tursiops truncatus, an infant Stenella attenuate, and a neonate Kogia brevieeps.

The basic formula, called the "April" formula² after the first truly successful bottle-fed dolphin calf, is based on a milk-replacement product which contains 55 percent fat, 20 percent protein and only a trace of carbohydrate. To this was added safflower oil, fish, vitamins and minerals, amino acids, bacterial extracts, and other ingredients (see footnote 1). "April" was an orphaned female Tursiops truncates neonate, estimated to be a month old at the time of stranding. She quickly became accustomed to taking her formula from a nursing bottle, with no physical restraint. This is the easiest method of feeding, short of a mild producing surrogate mother. Initially, she was fed at one hour intervals, for a total of twenty feedings per day, consuming between 4 and 7 liters of formula a day. Her calorie requirements for positive weight gain (average 0.22 Kg./day) were 150 Kcal/Kg./day initially, decreasing to 80 to 100 Kcal/Kg./day when she was weaned at one year of age.

The second calf was "Kiwi", a female Stenella attenuate orphaned during stranding, estimated to be three months old at that time. She was given the '"April" formula via gastric intubation, requiring capture and restraint six to eight times a day. Her caloric requirements for positive weight gain were an average of 200 Kcal/Kg./day. Her weight gain while on formula was .13 Kg/day. She was weaned at 6 months of age. The third calf was "Juno", a female Koqia breviceps, estimated to be one month old at the time of stranding. "Juno" was given a modified "April" formula via gastric tube, involuntarily at first, then gradually allowing non-restrained tube feedings. She was fed eight to ten times a day, and required 60 to 80 Kcal/Kg./day for weight gain. The weight gain averaged .6kg./day while on formula. She began the weaning process at four months of age, taking small amounts of liquid in addition to the formula feedings. The need for regular accurate weight assessment and frequent monitoring of blood parameters cannot be overemphasized. These, along with accurate caloric and nutrient analysis of the formula are important to the successful hand-rearing of infant cetaceans.

1.  Hazelton Laboratories of America, Inc.
3301 Kinsman Boulevard
P.O. Box 7545
Madison, Wisconsin 53707
Phone: (608) 241-4477

2.  "April" formula - 750 ml Zoo Herring filets with viscera
2.5 cups Multimilk-dry measurement (PetAg)\
50 cc safflower oil
1 Tbls. Lethicin
3 lactobacillis tabs
Vitamins (alternate seatabs and multivit. with zinc)
1 Tbls. osteoform (Vetamix)
250 mg. Taurine
1100 ml. bottled water

3.  Multi-Milk, Pet-AG, Inc
30 West 432, Rt. 20
Elgin, Illinois 60120