Miková K., Sovják R.
Abstract
Allosuckling (non-offspring nursing) occurs in many mammal species. This paper discusses five main hypotheses of
allonursing (why do mothers nurse an alien offspring) and also reasons of allosucking (why do allosucklers suck
from alien mother). Allosuckling was observed in many ungulates, both in pigs and in ruminants, e.g. in fallow deer,
red deer, water buffalo and others. Allosuckling occurrence is increased by captivity but it was also observed in
wild animals. Some cases of allosuckling were also seen in camels but it was not studied yet, so allosuckling
research in camels is a challenge for future.
Key words:
allosuckling; ungulates; camels