Mixology Matters with Milk Replacer

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(Adobe Stock)

It may not be a fancy cocktail, but accurate mixology is important for calf milk replacer, too.

Renowned calf and heifer researcher Jim Quigley, PhD, addressed two distinct approaches to creating a final milk replacer solution in a recent edition of his Calf Notes blog.

Quigley said there is a difference between mixing milk replacer powder INTO water to achieve a desired final volume; or mixing it WITH that volume of water, resulting in a slightly higher total volume and lower solids concentration.

In his example, the desired amount of milk replacer for a batch of approximately 5 liters of solution was 750 grams of powder. The two approaches would look like this:

  • 750 g of powder mixed INTO water to create a final volume of 5L would require trimming the water volume back slightly, to 4,457 mL. The resultant total solids on a volume basis (w/v) would be 14.3%.
  • Starting with 5L of water and adding 750 g of powder WITH it. The final solution would have a total volume of 5,543 mL, with total solids on a volume basis of 12.9%.

Quigley explained that calculating total solids on a volume basis – versus a weight basis (w/w) -- factors in a slight correction for the moisture in the milk replacer powder.

He said the typical “safe” concentration of a final milk replacer solution should fall into a range between 12% and 17%, so either formulation would be acceptable. But with a nearly 2% difference in total solids, the variation between the two is considerable.

Quigley noted the most critical point is to determine a desired total solids percentage, decide which mixing method will be used to achieve it, and monitor the end formulation routinely on an “as-fed” basis to ensure consistency. He provided a simple Excel calculator to assist in formulating for total solids.

Once the formulation and mixing method are determined, Quigley advised developing clearly defined, written protocols, preferably accompanied by illustrations, to make the milk replacer mixing procedure clear.

He said thorough training of every individual on the farm who mixes milk replacer – even if only occasionally – is vital. For example, just one error by a substitute, weekend feeder could result in a massive outbreak of bloat, or leave calves ill-equipped to cope with cold weather conditions, making them more susceptible to scours or pneumonia.

“Either mixing approach is satisfactory, but consistency is critical,” he declared. “Switching from one method to another can introduce a variation of feed offered to the calves, which may impair performance.”


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