For every calf that has been born, the most important thing is first to ensure that the calf receives sufficient and colostrum of high quality as soon as possible. This only means that the calf should consume more than 14% of its body weight worth colostrum during the first four hours after birth. Every farmer would want the best of their bottle calves, and the key to achieving this is by selecting the best milk replacers to meet the calves’ demands.
However, providing quality nutrition ensures that the bottle calves become healthy and have a productive life. In addition to that, you should always be keen on the milk replacers as they are never the same as they have different ingredient quality and nutritional value. Having an understanding and knowledge of these differences will help you make the right option for your bottle calves. As you take time to understand their differences, below are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing any calf milk replacer.
The Smell, Appearance, and Consistency of The Replacers
How the replacers look and smell is an essential factor. Any dry milk powder should be cream to light tan in color and free from any lumps. However, any brown powder might not be useful as it contains reduced nutrient quality and flavor. Besides, the milk powder should also have a pleasant aroma. If the powder has any smell that resembles grass, paint, and clay, its fat ingredients might rot.
Check the Mineral and Vitamin Content
In the same way as children, calves need vitamins and minerals to grow healthy. Vitamins A, D, E, and B- complex are essential for good health, immune, and growth. However, calcium and phosphorous also play a significant role in the bone development of the calves. Any milk replacer of the calves should contain a range of 0.75- 1.25% of calcium and 0.75% phosphorous. With this, you are comfortable that the calves will grow, having strong bones.
Easy to Use It
As a farmer, always ensure that you choose a milk replacer with clear and quickly understood instructions. Feeding your bottle calves is a fun activity, but with clear instructions, you will always be confident that you are meeting the calves’ needs as they grow. Choosing a milk replacer with quality ingredients mixed into water easily, having the right nutrients, and clear feeding instructions will make you choose the best milk replacer for your calves.
Have A Check on The Protein and Fat Levels?
Fat and proteins are the main ingredients in a milk replacer, and it also represents the milk formulation. The crude protein in the milk replacer provides essential amino acids that are required by the calves. Besides, the crude protein has its advantages as it allows for the fatty acids and provides some energy to the calves’ carbohydrates. For any calf to grow healthy, they need more proteins and energy.
Every farmer would want to see their calves progressing with good health and productivity. However, the secret to this is to have a good calf milk replacer with proper nutrients to help the calves have adequate growth.