võõrutamist

Võõrutamist refers to the process of weaning a baby or young mammal from its mother's milk. This is a natural biological process that typically occurs as the infant grows and its digestive system matures, allowing it to consume and digest solid or semi-solid foods.

The timing of võõrutamist varies greatly depending on the species and individual circumstances. In humans, it is a gradual transition that can begin around six months of age, though breastfeeding may continue for a longer period. For other mammals, the weaning process is often more rapid and dictated by the availability of alternative food sources and the offspring's developmental stage.

Võõrutamist can involve a variety of methods. It can be a natural process where the mother gradually reduces nursing and the infant shows less interest in milk, or it can be a more managed process. In some domesticated animals, such as livestock or pets, human intervention may be necessary to ensure a smooth and healthy transition to solid food. This might involve introducing specific weaning formulas or specially prepared solid foods.

The nutritional and emotional aspects of võõrutamist are important. A successful weaning ensures the infant receives adequate nutrition from its new diet and helps it develop independence. For the mother, it signals the end of lactation. Improper or premature weaning can lead to nutritional deficiencies in the infant or stress for both mother and offspring.