Liger Cubs Growth Rate

Liger cubs have a much faster growth rate as compared to the growth rate of the lions and tigers cubs. It is believed that tiger cubs have slightly faster growth rate than lions. Surprisingly, the growth rate of the liger cubs is even faster than the growth rate of either lion or tiger cubs. Table 1 indicates the growth of different liger cubs being recorded over different intervals. Usually the liger cubs are weighed almost the same as that of the tiger and lion cubs at the time of their birth. But onwards, their growth rate is much more faster.

From the first week to about 2 months, a liger cub experiences an astonishing 700 percent increase in its growth, specifically measured by its weight. This rapid growth is remarkable. On the other hand, from day 61 to day 120, a liger cub undergoes a 150 percent increase in its weight. This weight gain percentage is exceptionally high and significantly surpasses the growth rates of all other big or small cats around the world. Such impressive growth highlights the unique and extraordinary development of liger cubs during their early months.

Table - 1: Liger Cub Growth Rate Data

Time Period	Growth Percentage
First week to about 2 months	700%
Day 61 to Day 120	150%

When liger cubs are between 50 and 60 days old, their weight is approximately 16 pounds. This is the most significant and highest growth rate of their entire lifespan, as their journey begins from 1 pound at birth. Moving onwards, if we add 60 more days, their weight reaches about 40 pounds. At 40 pounds, from 60 days to 120 days, they experience around a 150 percent increase in their growth rate. No other big cat cubs experience such a massive amount of growth during these spans of their lives.

Liger Cub Growth in terms of their weight gained.

Age	Weight
Birth	1 pound
60 days	15 pounds
120 days	40 pounds

There are many factors that influence the rapid growth rate of liger cubs. First of all, liger cubs have genetic vigor. This process is called heterosis. Due to this process, liger cubs are supposed to get bigger, growing twice as much as lions and tigers, which makes them larger than their parents. If we measure the per day growth rate, we can conclude that liger cubs grow at a steady rate of 1 pound per day from birth until maturity, on average. Secondly, liger cubs have unique growth genes that promote faster growth. These genes predominantly come from their lion ancestors, whose genes promote growth.