Black BearGro Milk Replacer for bear cubs

For:

Artificially rearing newborn black bear cubs

Feeding orphaned black bear cubs

Guaranteed Analysis

Colostrum

The newborn cub should be fed maternal colostrum (first mother’s milk) in the first 24hours.  This will help provide protection against future infections, particularly if the colostrum is fed before 12 hours.  If the mother’s colostrum is not available, the second option is to use cow’s colostrum.  If also not available, use a commercial colostrum replacer product.

General recommendations

• Start feeding milk replacer once newborn has received colostrum.
• Any change in the feeding schedule should be done with judgement, according to growth, size and stool consistency.
• The quantity of milk replacer fed to the cub will vary depending on health, size and availability of mother’s milk.  Typically young animals require 10-15% body weight daily.
• Frequent feeding of small amounts will decrease chances of digestive upsets.  Feed as many as 8-10 feedings per day in the first 2 weeks.  Gradually decrease number of feedings until weaning.
• Weigh cubs regularly to ensure that milk intake is adequate
• Reconstituted Black BearGro may be refrigerated up to 24 hours.  Discard any unused portion after 24 hours.
• The milk replacer solution can be served in a nipple bottle or in an open bucket (older than 2 weeks).
• Do not leave the milk in an open bucket for more than 2 hours.
• Clean ALL feeding utensils and equipment after each feeding: rinse in lukewarm water, wash with a detergent in hot (176^oF) water, rinse with clean water (ideally a 5-10% bleach solution) and dry thoroughly with a ‘clean’ towel.
• Consult your veterinarian for any signs of disease, fever, parasites, …

Water and weaning

• Fresh, clean water should always be available, particularly when consuming a significant amount of solids.
• Weaning should take place only when cub is consuming other types of solids on a regular basis.