HERFS/AUTUMN BONUS TYDSKRIF 2026

• Milk-fed calves require at least 500 g/day of milk solids. • Very cheap calf milk replacers are too frequently of poor quality. Calf milk replacers provide a convenient way to feed calves. Provided the calf milk replacer is formulated correctly from good quality ingredients and fed according to the instructions, calves can grow well, and their rumens can develop just as well. Composition of milk replacers A good quality milk replacer should be similar in chemical composition to fresh milk. It should contain the nutrients that calves can easily digest. Milk replacers are generally formulated from by-products of dairy processing, together with vitamins and minerals. Quality milk replacers: • The powder should contain 12% fat or more and at least 20% protein – must be highly digestible. • The replacer will assist in reduced risk of disease transfer in the herd. • A good replacer will ensure consistency in calves’ diet. “Milk replacers are generally formulated from by- products of dairy processing, together with vitamins and minerals.” Usingmilk replacers to rear calves It is important that calf breeders understand mixing strengths when preparing milk replacers for feeding. The mixing instructions usually refer to the quantity of powder within a given volume of reconstituted mix, not the amount of water added to the powder. A thermometer is also essential to ensure the correct temperature of the final CMR solution. For warm solutions, the drinking temperature should be about 38°C. Too frequent feeding of too much milk replacer can lead to abdominal induced milk bloat. It is essential to also provide sufficient, clean drinking water. Benefits of milk replacers: • Milk replacers are a perfectly balanced nutritional product. • Milk replacers can be stored long term as powder and reconstituted by mixing with water as recommended. • By increasing awareness about the potential of preparing milk replacers and feeding the young animals, this will lead to improved survivability and growth of young animals. For further information, contact Retief Nel at RNel@ladismithcheese.co.za. C M Y CM MY CY CMY K 106 Herfs/Autumn 2026 BONUS