The feeding recommendations are a guideline for a calf entering the unit at 40kg live weight and up to weaning at 6 weeks. Feed can be increased or decreased proportionately depending on the rearing system and growth rate required. Please note every feeding system is different with the feeding schedule acting as a guide only.

To ensure optimum milk replacer performance a minimum of 125g of powder is required within every litre of water.

Bucket Feeding:

1. Add water to the bucket and heat to a temperature of 40°C–42°C.
2. Weigh the powder and slowly add it the bucket of water.
3. Mix thoroughly to a creamy, smooth consistency.
4. Check the temperature of the mixed concentration and feed at body temperature 38°–40°C
5. The finished mixed concentration should match the following ratio:
   A. 125g Powder + 875ml water = 1 litre finished concentration. 12.5% Solids.
   B. 150g Powder + 850ml water = 1 litre finished concentration. 15.0% Solids.

Computerised Feeding

Country Calf Milk Replacers are suitable for use in all automatic computerised calf feeders. For successful results with computerised feeding, calibrate your feeder using the manufacturers specifications at a concentration of 12.5% solids.

For further specialist advice on selecting suitable mixing and feeding regimes, and achieving your calf performance objectives please contact your sales representative.

Management Guidelines

• Feed good quality colostrum to all calves to ensure your calves reach their full potential. All calves must receive a minimum of 3 litres of colostrum within the first 5 hours of life and 10% bodyweight per day for the following 4 days.
• Ensure calves have ad libitum access to fresh water and short clean straw at all times.
• Follow-on dry concentrated feed should be offered to calves from 3 days of age.
• During colder periods at temperatures below 15°C feed an additional 100g of milk replacer per calf per day. This will ensure consistent energy and growth levels.
• Ensure clean equipment is used when mixing milk powder to avoid unnecessary contamination.
• Adhere to the best before date on the bag label.

Weaning

• Weaning can start when animals are a minimum of 65kg, or are 25kg above birthweight and consuming 1kg concentrates per calf per day.
• Over a 1-2 week period slowly reduce the concentration of milk replacer in overall volume consumed.
• Continue to feed concentrates of 1-2kg per day for at least a month.