Feeding a quality calf milk replacer offers many benefits to your calves. It can result in higher growth rates among other advantages.
However, to maximize these benefits you need to make sure you are correctly mixing the milk replacer.
First, why should you feed calf milk replacer when you could feed whole milk instead?
Here are some of the ways that a milk replacer is better than the whole milk alternative:
SFSF certified feeds will have this logo on the bag:
Take a look at our premium ORANGE MILK to see the logo for yourself and the difference a quality milk replacer makes for growing calves.
When feeding calf milk replacer you need to make sure that you are accurately measuring and mixing for the best results. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your milk replacer:
Some producers prefer feeding calves with bottles and others prefer buckets. There is no right or wrong answer.
Each method comes with its own advantages and drawbacks. You should consider your farm management practices when determining which to use for your calves.
Buckets are often less labor-intensive and easier to use than bottles. However, it's more difficult to measure the milk replacer. Calves can more easily tip or spill the bucket. Secure buckets when possible to prevent them from being knocked over.
*Bonus tip: Calves often eat better from white buckets than darker buckets.
Bottles can be more labor-intensive, but calves are more accepting of nipples than buckets. It's easier to control the amount of milk replacer that each calf gets when using bottles.
Above: Bottles make measuring calf milk replacer easy.
The key to using either feeding method is keeping your bucket or bottle clean. Frequently sanitize buckets, bottles, and other feeding utensils.
Remove buckets from pens when the calf isn't feeding to keep them clean. For bottles, regularly check the nipples for signs of wear or cracks. Bacteria can contaminate these spaces.
Ultimately, the best way to feed calf milk replacer is to:
Following these tips will help you make the most of your milk replacer and raise healthy calves!
Many of us in the United States are bracing ourselves for record cold temperatures this week.
Small animal owners are warned to keep their pets indoors during subzero temperatures, but severe wind and cold present different challenges for livestock owners. You can't fit your cattle or horses in the living room to hang out on the couch and wait out the winter storm with you.
Hog producers around the globe are on high alert following the recent outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) in China. Here in the United States, you need to know how this disease affects you and your pigs.
Take action now to educate yourself on African Swine Fever. Here is everything you need to know about ASF.
Producers that fail to remove the net wrap from their round bales could be causing serious problems for themselves and their herd in the future.
Net wrap refers to the wrapping or string that binds hay together. Round bales are commonly fed to cattle and the net wrap that keeps them together comes in different materials.
It doesn't matter what type of wrap is used or whether the hay bales are fed whole or after grinding, many producers leave the wrap on.
Caitlyn Andrews
Author