Crosssuckling

Cross-suckling, also written crosssuckling, refers to the nursing of a young mammal by a dam other than its biological mother, or by multiple dams, within a herd or flock. It is observed in cattle, sheep, goats, and deer, and can occur naturally or in managed husbandry when calves or lambs are housed with several dams or moved between them.

In dairy and lambing operations, cross-suckling can occur when more than one neonate is present with a dam that has adequate milk, or when calves are moved between dams, or when two or more dams nurse the same calf or lamb. The behavior may be spontaneous or encouraged as part of a foster care strategy in some systems.

Management considerations vary. Some producers discourage cross-suckling to prevent disease spread, ensure calves receive adequate colostrum and nutrition from their own dam, and protect dam productivity. Others view cross-suckling as a tool to utilize available milk and improve calf survival when a dam has insufficient milk or when multiple offspring are present.

Welfare and health aspects include potential transmission of pathogens, risk of mastitis, teat injury, and disruption of maternal bonding. Monitoring and biosecurity are important, with practices such as selective fostering, segregation when needed, and careful attention to ensuring calves obtain sufficient colostrum and nutrition.

Terminology varies; cross-suckling may be referred to as cross-suckling, cross-nursing, or fostering. It is discussed in veterinary and livestock management literature as a facet of dam-offspring dynamics and milk management.