Mixing rates guide for calf milk replacer

Who is this for?

This guide is for anyone preparing calf milk replacers on farm. Whether you are feeding a handful of calves or managing a larger group, the tables below give you the correct powder and water quantities at a glance. 

• Dairy farmers
• Beef farmers
• Calf rearers
• Farm managers

How to mix calf milk replacer 

Follow these steps each time you prepare milk replacer to ensure consistent quality. 

Step 1: Weigh the required amount of powder using scales. 
Step 2: Measure the required amount of water (no warmer than 45°C). 
Step 3: Add the powder to half the required water. 
Step 4: Mix the powder thoroughly to ensure no lumps. 
Step 5: Top up to the required finished volume. 
Step 6: Feed milk replacer at body temperature (37-39°C). 

Mixing rate at 15% solids

Quantities for feeding 3 litres of milk replacer per calf per feed, mixed at 150g powder per litre. 

Mixing rate at 12.5% solids

Quantities for feeding 2.5 litres of milk replacer per calf per feed. 

Additional feeding guidance

Colostrum: ensure calves receive enough good quality colostrum (3 litres or 10% of body weight within the first 2 hours after birth).

Solid feed: fresh water, concentrates and roughage must be provided fresh daily.

Cold weather adjustments

During cold weather, increase the volume of milk fed or increase the concentration of the milk replacer.

Calves 0-3 weeks (up to 50kg): feed an extra 100g milk powder per day for each 10°C drop in temperature below 20°C. At 0°C, feed an extra 200g per day. 
Calves over 3 weeks: feed an extra 100g milk powder per day for each 10°C drop in temperature below 10°C. At 0°C, feed an extra 100g per day.

Flexible feeding options

Our calf milk replacers can be fed at concentrations ranging from 10% to 20% dry matter, depending on the feeding system and growth rate required. Always mix at the chosen concentration consistently.

All our calf milk replacers can be used in a once-a-day feeding system from 28 days of age, providing calves are eating enough solid feed to constitute a second feed. All are also suitable for use in computerised feeding systems.

Frequently asked questions

How much milk replacer powder do I need per calf per feed?

At 15% solids (3 litres per calf per feed), you need 450g of powder per calf. At 12.5% solids (2.5 litres per calf per feed), you need 313g per calf. Use the tables in this guide to calculate quantities for groups of up to 10 calves.

What temperature should the water be when mixing calf milk replacer?

Water should be no warmer than 45°C when mixing. Feed the finished milk replacer at body temperature (37-39°C).

Can I feed calf milk replacer once a day?

Yes. All Feed For Growth milk replacers can be used in a once-a-day feeding system from 28 days of age, provided calves are eating enough solid feed to constitute a second feed.

How do I adjust milk replacers feeding in cold weather?

In cold weather, either increase the volume of milk fed or increase the concentration of the mix. For calves under 3 weeks old (up to 50kg), add 100g of powder per day for every 10°C drop below 20°C. For calves over 3 weeks, add 100g per day for every 10°C drop below 10°C.

Can I use Feed For Growth milk replacers in an automatic or computerised feeder?

Yes. All our milk replacers are suitable for use in computerised feeding systems. They can also be fed at concentrations ranging from 10% to 20% dry matter depending on your system and target growth rate.

What is the difference between 15% and 12.5% solids mixing rates?

The 15% solids rate (3 litres per calf per feed) provides more energy and nutrients per feed and is typically used where higher growth rates are targeted. The 12.5% rate (2.5 litres per calf per feed) uses less powder per feed and suits lower-intensity systems. Always mix consistently at your chosen rate.