Abstract
A technique and nutritional regimen for intravenous feeding of neonatal rabbits is described. Central venous nutrition of 40- to 60-g newborn rabbits was accomplished in a modified infant incubator using a specially constructed catheter and light-weight harness to provide nutrients by central vein for periods up to 7 days. Throughout the infusion period the newborn rabbits appeared healthy and evidenced increasing activity with age. The pups grew an average of 6.3 g/day, while receiving an intake of 150 to 200 kcal/kg/day. This model appears capable of being utilized to provide information on neonatal growth and metabolism in response to parenteral nutrition.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.