While resting, the manatee may rise to the surface to breathe every seven to 20 minutes. When active, such as feeding or mating, they breathe every three to five minutes. Reproduction Manatees reach sexual maturity in approximately five years. Even though female manatees form very strong bonds with their calves, they do not form permanent associations with males after mating. After a gestation period of approximately 13 months, female manatees, called cows, bear one calf.
Twins are a rare occurrence.
During the first two years of its life, a calf remains very close to its mother's side for nourishment and protection. Cows give birth every two to three years, so it is quite possible to see a mother with a larger, older calf and a new, smaller calf at the same time. At birth, calves are almost black in color, three feet long and weigh approximately 75 pounds. The calf nurses from its mother's nipples, located at the base of each flipper. During feeding, the mother can sometimes be seen rolling on her side or back to help the calf suckle.