What do mice feed newborn pups? - briefly
Newborn mouse pups receive only maternal milk, secreted by the dam’s mammary glands and rich in protein, fat, and antibodies. They rely on this nutrition until weaning at about three weeks of age.
What do mice feed newborn pups? - in detail
Newborn mouse pups receive nourishment exclusively from the dam’s milk. The lactation period begins shortly after birth and lasts approximately three weeks. Milk composition changes as the litter grows: early milk is rich in proteins and immunoglobulins to support immune development; later milk contains higher fat and carbohydrate levels to meet increasing energy demands.
The dam nurses the litter multiple times per day, delivering milk through brief, frequent bouts of suckling. Each feeding provides a mixture of casein, whey proteins, lipids, lactose, vitamins, and minerals. The caloric density of mouse milk is about 5 kcal g⁻¹, sufficient for the rapid growth of pups that double their birth weight within the first week.
Around day 10–12, pups begin to explore the nest and ingest small amounts of solid material. This transitional feeding introduces enzymes for carbohydrate digestion and prepares the gastrointestinal tract for weaning. By day 21, the dam reduces nursing frequency, and pups are fully weaned.
After weaning, juvenile mice consume a diet typical of adult laboratory mice:
- Commercial rodent chow (pelleted or powdered), providing balanced protein, carbohydrate, fat, and micronutrients.
- Whole grains such as wheat, oats, or barley.
- Seeds and nuts, offering essential fatty acids.
- Insects or mealworm larvae, supplying additional protein and chitin.
- Fresh vegetables (e.g., carrots, broccoli) for fiber and vitamins, offered in moderation.
The shift from maternal milk to solid food coincides with morphological changes in the oral cavity and digestive enzymes, enabling efficient processing of complex carbohydrates and proteins. Proper nutrition during this period is critical for normal growth, immune competence, and reproductive development.