It takes 14-15 months for a calf to be born.beluga whales breed in warm water . a new born beluga whale is about 4-5 feet long and wieghs over 100 pound. they trun white when they are 6 years and they tend to mature at 7-9 years of age. Mating occurs in spring an females bare calves every 2-3 years. Breeding generally takes place in March through May, about 10 months after calving. Beluga whales breed in small bays and estuaries A single dominant male may mate with several females.

Young belugas learn survival behaviors by observing and mimicking adults in their pod. Like other mammals, a mother beluga whale nurses her calf. A calf suckles below the water from nipples concealed in abdominal mammary slits. The calf may begin nursing several hours after birth and then nurses at hourly intervals thereafter. According to research in zoological parks, the composition of beluga milk varies widely among individuals and fluctuates throughout the nursing period. Beluga milk may average 28% milkfat, 11% protein, and 60.25% water. The milk yields approximately 92 calories per ounce. Beluga calves are dependent upon nursing for the first year, until their teeth emerge. They then supplement their diets with shrimps and small fishes. Most calves nurse for 20 to 24 months.Mothers with calves often form pods separate from males. Most maternal behavior is probably instinctive, first-time mothers are inexperienced at nursing their calves.