How to Mix Milk Replacer
If you’re a calf raiser, you probably mix hundreds, if not thousands, of batches of milk replacer every year. It’s a task that becomes second nature in your daily routine.
But not every calf milk replacer product is the same, and mixing and feeding instructions may vary. Especially if you are using a new product, it’s important to check the back of the tag to make sure you’re following that specific product’s guidelines correctly. Here are some key steps to feeding accurately and preventing mixing errors:
Follow powder-to-water ratios carefully
Many milk replacers contain medications and/or supplements that need to be dosed accurately to each calf. So be sure to use the correct amount of both powder and water to achieve the solution that is intended. It also is important to mix solution at the correct solids levels. Concentrations too low will lead to malnourished calves. Concentrations too high can cause dehydration, scours and abomasal bloat. Using a scale, versus a cup, to weigh both powder and water can produce more accurate final solutions. It also can be helpful to devise a larger scoop to fit your mixing system – there is less room for error in one large scoop versus 10 small ones.
2. Feed at prescribed levels
Follow the “Feeding” instructions on the back of the tag to ensure that calves receive the correct levels of both nutrients and medications/additives for their bodyweight.
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3. Always add powder to water.
If you start with dry powder and add water, chances are good some of that powder will stick to the pail and not make it into solution – which leads us back down the path of an incorrect formulation reaching the calves. So add some of the water to the pail first, sprinkle powder on top and whisk it in, then add the rest of the water to achieve the final solution.
4. Agitate large batches until fed.
To prevent powder from settling out of solution, be sure to continue to agitate prepared solution that is not immediately portioned into individual-calf servings.
5. Monitor water temperature.
The ideal temperature for water used to mix milk replacer solution is 110-120˚F. This can be monitored at the mixing valve off the hot water heater, but also should be periodically checked using a hand-held thermometer in the mixing vessel. The temperature of the water at the heater may be 120˚F, but if the tank or bucket is cold, it will cool the water quickly. Mixing with water that is too cool will likely prevent all of the powder from going into suspension. And if the water is too hot, the protein coating on protein-encapsulated fat particles can break down, which will produce an oily film on feeding equipment and deprive calves from receiving their full portion of important fat. It can also interfere with the function of the emulsifiers in the formula, causing separation.
6. Check temperatures of solution as fed.
Starting with water at 110-120˚F should result in a final solution at the recommended feeding temperature of 102-103˚F. But many factors can influence this, including very cold milk replacer powder. Outdoor temperatures also can cause solution to become chilled before calves are fed. In frigid weather, periodically check the temperature of the solution given to the last calf fed. If it is below 102˚F, you may need to change your feeding routine, or store small batches indoors until they are fed. Check the temperature of the first and last bottle or pail to determine if additional steps are required to keep feeding temperature consistent.
7. Thoroughly clean and sanitize equipment after each use.
Mixing and feeding equipment can harbor bacteria that leads to scours. Thus your regular equipment cleaning protocol is just as important as the steps you follow to mix the product.
8. Post simple instructions for your team.
Because multiple people – either routinely or occasionally – feed the calves, it’s helpful to document and post some simple protocols so tasks are completed consistently. A basic chart listing number of calves and how much water and powder should be used to feed them will help prevent mixing errors. Posting a list of steps for washing and sanitizing equipment – including correct quantities of chemical detergents and sanitizers – will help accomplish the same consistency for those routines. You can also download our mixing instructions poster to share with your team.
If you’re struggling with digestive disease in your calves, it’s always a good idea to revisit mixing and sanitation protocols in your milk replacer program. Often these health issues can be traced back to procedural errors in one or both areas. The good news is, they usually are fairly easy to resolve with improved routines, which can help get calves back on track to consistent gains and health.
Want to keep reading about digestive issues in calves? Read our blog post about how proper milk replacer concentration helps prevent clostridium by Brian Briner.