FEEDING AND PATHOLOGY OF THE SUCKLING PUP PY

The first weeks in the life of a puppy are decisive for its future. It is however during this period that it is the most vulnerable. The vit ality of the litter at birth can be affected by an error in the estima tion of the feeding level of the pregnant female (both excess and defi ciency) and by errors concerning the balance between protein/energy (o ptimum < 65 g/Mcal ME), Ca/vitamin D and Ca/Zn (approximately 100/1). The feeding of a diet with low digestibility (< 82%) can also be impli cated. Postnatal growth and the health status of the litter depend on the feeding level of the lactating Female (this is very dependant on t he level of Far in the diet; > 20% dry matter) or on the quality of th e milk replacer. It is also necessary to take inta account the protein /energy ratio (> 75 g/Mcal ME) and vitamin A supply (> 10 000 IU/kg dr y matter) bur also to provide a diet with maximal digestibility (> 86% ).