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How to Feed Milk Replacer

A milk replacer may be a convenient and effective feeding option for livestock. Milk replacement mixes generate a consistent quality of feed without many of the bacterial concerns associated with diets of whole or non-pasteurized milk. Milk replacers also can be a vehicle for administering medication or nutritional supplements to young livestock. Hand-feeding a milk replacer enables the feeder to control the quantity and timing of the food supply, providing a more consistent feed that may ultimately result in a healthier animal.

Things You'll Need

Bottle with rubber nipple
Milk replacer
Bucket
Hot Water
Tongs or silicone oven mitt
Food grade thermometer

Instructions

- 1
  Measure milk replacer powder and water according to the manufacturer's instructions and place in bottle. Each manufacturer uses a unique recipe to produce their brand of milk replacer, therefore not all milk replacers have the same powder to water ratio.
- 2
  Secure the nipple to the top of the bottle and tighten. Cover the opening of the nipple. Shake to blend.
- 3
  Remove the nipple and clip the thermometer to the inside of the bottle. Place the bottle in the empty bucket. Use tongs or a silicone oven mitt to hold the bottle steady. Slowly add hot water to the bucket so that it surrounds the exterior of the bottle. Add water until the water level reaches 1/2 to 3/4 of the way up the side of the bottle.
- 4
  Heat the milk replacer blend to the manufacturer's recommended temperature. Accurate heating produces a product with an even distribution of fat that can be easily digested.
- 5
  Remove the bottle from the water. Allow the milk replacer to cool to the animal's body temperature before feeding. Remove thermometer from the bottle.
- 6
  Place nipple on the top of the bottle and tighten. Hold the bottle at a 45 degree angle and place the nipple end of the bottle in the mouth of the animal. Allow animal to consume the contents of the bottle.

Animals & Science