Nutrient-Rich Whale Milk

Whale milk is energy-rich, but its composition varies by species. In many baleen whales, fat makes up roughly 30–50% of milk around mid- to late lactation; cow’s milk typically contains about 3–4%. Toothed whales and dolphins often have lower fat levels. The milk has relatively little water and a thick consistency, which helps keep it from dispersing immediately in seawater. Calves nurse underwater, and muscles around the mammary glands can eject milk toward the calf’s mouth. This calorie-dense diet supports rapid growth and the accumulation of insulating blubber.