What term is used for using a doe to nurse young that are not her own?

The term used for using a doe to nurse young that are not her own is fostering. This practice is common in the animal husbandry world, allowing young animals that may be orphaned, rejected, or in need of additional care to receive nourishment from a surrogate mother.

Fostering is particularly beneficial in ensuring the health and survival of the young when their biological mother is unable to care for them, whether due to health issues or other circumstances. This method leverages the nurturing instincts of a doe, providing the necessary milk and care that the young require during their early development stages.

Other terms, while they may relate to care or nurturing in different contexts, do not specifically describe this practice:

• Nursing generally refers to the act of feeding or caring for young in a broad sense.

• Adopting usually pertains to the formal taking on of parental responsibilities, often associated with legal or official arrangements.

• Mothering is a more general term that refers to the behaviors and qualities of a mother, but it does not denote the specific act of using a surrogate.

Thus, fostering accurately captures the specific action of utilizing a doe to nurse non-biological offspring.