A young deer’s dietary needs evolve considerably in its first few months. Initially, a fawn relies entirely on its mother’s milk, a nutrient-rich substance crucial for rapid growth and development. This milk provides essential antibodies that bolster the fawn’s immune system, protecting it from diseases during its vulnerable early weeks. Colostrum, the first milk produced after birth, is particularly rich in these protective factors.
The mother’s milk provides not only sustenance but also a critical behavioral foundation. The nursing process strengthens the bond between the doe and her offspring. As the fawn matures, the nutritional demands shift. The milk intake begins to supplement, and eventually be replaced by solid food.
