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Britannica Sources used in this answer

How much blubber can a harp seal pup gain each day while nursing?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
A mother harp seal and a young “whitecoat.” Adult harp seals are gray with black spots. Young harp seals are called “whitecoats,” “bedlamers,” “beaters,” or “graybacks,” depending on their age.
harp seal A mother harp seal and a young “whitecoat.” Adult harp seals are gray with black spots. Young harp seals are called “whitecoats,” “bedlamers,” “beaters,” or “graybacks,” depending on their age.

During their 12-day nursing period, harp seal pups gain approximately 2 kg (4.4 pounds) of blubber per day. This rapid weight gain, fueled by their mothers' fat-rich milk, allows the pups to reach a weight of about 36 kg (79 pounds) by the time they are weaned.1