Artificial deer feeding technology
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Every year during the breeding season, some newborn deer calves are abandoned by their mothers or are too weak to nurse. In such cases, manual feeding becomes the only option to save their lives. Setting up an artificial nursing room is crucial for their survival and growth.
The nursing area should be bright, spacious, and well-ventilated, with plenty of natural light and a temperature above 15°C. Each deer needs at least 1–2 square meters of space, along with a clean and dry environment. A small playground should also be available for exercise and development.
Essential tools include buckets, baby bottles, nipples, milk containers, stoves or electric heaters, brushes, thermometers, aluminum pans, colostrum, regular milk, powdered milk, towels, and soaps. These items help maintain hygiene and ensure proper feeding.
Colostrum is vital for newborn deer. It's the first milk produced within the first three days after birth and is rich in antibodies, proteins, enzymes, vitamins, and lysozyme. Colostrum helps build immunity and supports the calf’s early development. Without it, survival rates drop to about 10%, but with colostrum, they can reach up to 97%. Farmers should prepare colostrum from cows or sheep in advance. If unavailable, deer colostrum can be collected using a syringe and stored in the freezer for later use.
To collect colostrum, gently clean the doe’s udder with a wet cloth. Use a glass tube connected to a 50–100 ml metal syringe. Insert the tube into the nipple and draw back the piston to extract the colostrum. Then push the piston slightly forward before removing the tube. Transfer the colostrum to a sterilized bottle and feed it immediately or freeze it for later use. Colostrom is thick and turns solid when heated to 60°C. Frozen colostrum should be warmed in warm water, and it's best to use it fresh.
Feeding methods vary depending on the calf’s condition. Wipe the mucus from the face and place the calf in a clean, quiet area. If the calf cannot suck, use a bottle or syringe. Gently guide the pacifier into the mouth and let the calf drink. After a few attempts, most calves learn to nurse on their own. Stimulating the anus with a cotton ball or finger can encourage swallowing.
Hygiene is critical. All feeding equipment must be boiled daily, and the nursing area should be cleaned with hot alkaline water. Bedding should be changed frequently to prevent disease.
Feeding frequency and volume are important. For the first month, feed four times a day—around 5:30, 9:30, 14:30, and 20:30. Reduce to three times a month after that, and wean gradually over 75 days. The amount depends on the age:
- 1–3 days: 700–900 ml/day
- 4–10 days: 900–1100 ml/day
- 10–20 days: 1100–1300 ml/day
- 20–30 days: 1300–1500 ml/day
- 30–45 days: 1100–1250 ml/day
- 46–60 days: 1150–1200 ml/day
- 61–70 days: 600–700 ml/day
- 71+ days: 300 ml/day
Milk should be at body temperature (37–38°C), but studies show that slight variations don’t harm the calf. Some may prefer colder milk, but consistency is key.
By one week old, calves should have access to clean water. At 15 days, introduce soft leaves and grass to support digestion. By 20 days, start offering small amounts of concentrate feed, like a mix of cornmeal, soybean meal, bran, salt, and bone meal. Feed three times a day, and remove leftovers after 30 minutes. Daily outdoor time helps them grow strong and healthy.