Calf Care Checklist: Storing and Mixing Milk Replacer

Posted on December 26, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator
To properly store milk replacer:

  • Keep milk replacer in a clean, dry area.  In storage, keep extra bags on a pallet a few inches off the wall. This will help with rodent control.
  • In mixing areas, keep milk replacer in a clean tote or covered container.  Use two totes in your rotation to allow for cleaning.
  • If milk replacer is kept in the bag, roll down the bag after each use.  This will help keep moisture out of the bag.
  • During cold months, bring milk replacer into the warm room one to two days prior to use.  This will allow the powder to reach room temperature before use. If adding cold powder to water, you will need to adjust water temperature for mixing.

To properly mix milk replacer: 

  • Start with water between 110 and 120 degrees F, depending on powder temperature.
  • Add water to the pail/mixer and weigh out volume of needed water.
  • Add weighed powder to pail/mixer.
  • Use a whisk to mix powder into solution.
  • The final feeding temperature of the solution should be 100 to 105 degrees F.  Check milk temperatures in the calf pail or bottle when feeding. Cold pails can drop temperatures of the milk. You may need to adjust your final solution temperature to compensate for cold weather and equipment.

Category: Equipment
Sanitation
Starting Strong - Calf Care
Winter calf care