What mammals produce for their babies is called ‘true milk’. However,There are some nonmammallari species that produce secretions like milk. This ‘false milk’ fulfills the same purpose: it nourishes the babies till they are old enough to fend for themselves.

Pigeons, flamingoes and emperor penguins feed their babies with a milk-like fluid that is secreted in their crop, a small sac at the base of their throats. Crop milk has lots of proteins and fats as well as minerals and other nutrients.

Other animals that produce similar secreations to nourish their young are the Pacific beetle cockroach, the discus fish pseudoscorpions and a species of African caecillian!

Protein Power

Which mammal’s milk has the most protein in it? Surprisingly, it is a species of small rabbit called the eastern cottontail, Named for the distinctive ball of fluff on its rear end the rabbit produces milk with 15 percent protein! It is also rich in fats. Such high levels of both nutrients are seen in the milk of mammals that leave their young alone for long periods of time. Cottontall rabbit moms nurse their young only once or twice a day, spending the rest of the time foraging.

The rich diet ensures the quick growth of the young ones. Like the hooded seal pups, the kits become independent in just a few weeks of nursing.