Abstract

Early efforts at developing synthetic pinniped formulas attempted to approximate the fat, protein, and moisture levels found in natural pinniped milks. Because of the absence of reliable data on normal milk constituents, the selection of formula components was achieved largely through trial and error. The process of artificial milk formulation became a rather whimsical endeavor, and hand-rearing success often came despite the inclusion of low-quality or unessential ingredients.

This paper will discuss recent advances in the quantitative analysis of pinniped milk, and in the documentation of pup nursing rates, intake levels, caloric requirements, and growth rates which offer more detailed information regarding the nutritional needs of pinniped neonates. This information has been used to establish guidelines for the development of formulas currently in use at Sea World of California to raise newborn pinnipeds.