How to Mix Milk Replacer Bottles for Baby Calves

Milk replacer for calves can only be purchased from any livestock supply store. Milk replacer for calves comes in three different formulas and can be purchased in either 25 pound bags or 50 pound bags. Calves should normally be fed twice daily for the first three months of life.

Step 1

Prepare the bottle and nipple by washing in soapy water and rinsing in hot water. Bottles need to be thoroughly washed to remove any residue that may cause spoilage.

During the first three days of life, calves need to be started on colostrum to help combat disease. If you cannot get colostrum from the calf's mother, you can get colostrum from local dairies. It is usually free for the asking, and will need to be refrigerated. The calf needs two feedings of straight colostrum before slowly changing the calf over to pure milk replacer.

During the subsequent feedings after the first two, slowly increase the ratio of milk replacer for calves to colostrum. Start with 1/4 milk replacer for calves, during the third feeding, then 1/2 during the fourth, 3/4 on the fifth feeding, and finally, on the sixth feeding, the calf should be fed straight milk replacer for calves.

Step 2

Prepare the milk replacer for calves by using the provided measuring cup that is in the bag. The measuring cup holds 10 ounces of powdered milk replacer. Pour one level measuring cup into the sterilized bottle.

For mixing with colostrum for the first feedings, adjust the ratio of milk replacer to the amount of colostrum to be fed.

Step 3

Add two quarts of warm water to the bottle. The water should be between 105 and 110 degrees. Snap on the calf nipple and shake well to mix the milk replacer with the water.

The colostrum also needs to be warmed before feeding it to the calf. Refrigerated colostrum or cold milk replacer is harmful to the calf's digestive track. Colostrum can be warmed in the microwave before mixing with the milk replacer and water. Heat just the amount required while keeping the rest refrigerated.

Step 4

Feed the calf the bottle. Be sure the bottle is held at an angle that helps the calf arch its neck properly. Imagine how the calf would look if it is reaching under its mother to nurse. This helps the milk replacer flow into the calf's stomach and not into its lungs.

Step 5

Wash and sterilize bottles and nipples after use. In the summer, milk replacer can spoil and grow harmful bacteria. The bottles need to be washed thoroughly and left upside down to dry until the next feeding.

Things You'll Need

• Two quart bottle
• Calf nipple
• Water
• Milk replacer for calves
• Colostrum (Optional)

Tips

• Always provide fresh water for the calf at all times.
• Bottles for calves are like bottles for human babies. Place a few drops on your wrist to be sure it is not too hot or too cold.

Warnings

• Calves must be fed twice daily.

University of Kentucky Calf Nutrition and Care
Oregon State University