Skip to Navigation | Skip to Content



For more information, please contact the FeedLine on
01278 444829 or email info@molevalleyfarmers.com.

Five Point Plan for Feeding A Milk Replacer

1. Quality

Quality not just quantity is vital at this early stage. You need to choose a milk replacer with a consistent formulation of quality ingredients. Then find a product to match your system. For example, offer high performance heifers more of a higher protein lower oil formulation. Beef cross calves can be fed a lower level of a more economic replacer.

2. Frequency & Volume

Twice daily feeding provides twice as much opportunity to observe calf behaviour and identify any signs of disease at the earliest possible stage. Computerised feeders offer the benefits of labour saving whilst allowing you to manage your calves more effectively. Individual calf recognition and feeding on a “little and often” basis promotes good calf performance coupled with early warning systems to highlight any potential health problems. The volume fed will differ according to your objectives and the feeding system you choose.

3. Temperature & Consistency

Whole milk often lacks temperature and nutrient consistency leading to health and performance issues. Most stock people know that feeding milk replacer at body temperature, around 380C, is very important. The reasons for this relate to effective closure of the oesophageal groove which directs liquid feed straight into the abomasum. It may also encourage intakes to ensure optimal growth.

4. Convenience & Labour

Milk replacer can be convenietly stored as a dry, relatively stable product rather than a perishable liquid. The hassle of storing and handling whole milk has to be set against the costs of setting up a mixing and warming facility.

5. Disease Risk

Disease risk can be reduced greatly by proper pasteurisation of whole milk prior to feeding or by using certain quality milk replacers. Feeding raw milk to calves can spread Johne’s disease in a herd. It’s not always possible to feed milk from test-negative cows and if the herd’s Johne’s status is unknown or milk cannot be separated, pasteurisation should be considered.


Contact us at MVF if you need more help >>

Back to top