Mixing Livestock Milk Replacers Properly

1. Quantity to Be Prepared

• Be sure to read instructions on bag or tag. Not all products have the same-sized cups, and different species require various mixtures.
• Fill plastic cup with milk replacer (milk replacer density can vary; periodically check the quantity the cup holds).
• Put required quantity of clean warm water at 110° to 115° in a clean bucket.

2. Mixing

• Always use warm water except for products designed to be fed cold (C.A.L.F., pig milk replacer and lamb milk replacer).
• Sprinkle milk replacer from the plastic cup onto the surface of the warm water.
• If powder is dumped from cup onto the water surface, large balls may sink to the bottom of the
  bucket.
• Use a wire whisk that can reach the bottom of the bucket and stir briskly to completely suspend the milk replacer.
• If using milk mixing machine, do not over mix by running the machine too long.
• If a milk replacer contains alternate protein sources, a few quick stirs periodically will help keep the product suspended and prevent settling. If large quantities of milk replacer are mixed, stir every 5 minutes to prevent settling.

3. Feeding

• Follow feeding directions supplied with product.
• Only mix enough milk replacer for the current feeding.

4. Caution

• Do not mix milk replacer and water in a nipple bottle. Instead, first prepare the solution and pour mixed milk into bottle.
• Don’t use a stick or similar instrument to mix milk replacer—some agitation is needed whichcan best be achieved with a wire whisk.
• Don’t add water to powder—it makes mixing more difficult.
• Sanitation is important—clean all utensils after each feeding.
• To keep milk replacer powder fresh, tightly roll the bag closed and store in a cool, dry place.