Create a Milk Replacer Program That’s Worth the Weight
“Many bags of Strauss milk replacer contain a plastic measuring cup. Ironically, the best way to use our milk replacer is to throw the cup away!”
Measuring milk replacer by weight instead of volume is one of the simplest ways to improve feeding consistency. Because milk replacer density varies from formulation to formulation and even from day to day, a cup can deliver significantly different amounts of powder. Also, different people have different ideas of what a full cup looks like. A calibrated scale eliminates that variation and helps ensure calves receive the nutrition intended for them at every feeding.
Here are three reasons why milk replacer density varies:
(1) Fat source matters
Many Strauss milk replacer formulations contain coconut oil because of its highly digestible fatty acid profile. Coconut oil is denser than many other common milk replacer fat sources, like dairy butterfat, lard, tallow, soybean oil, and corn oil.
As a result, a scoop of coconut oil-based milk replacer can weigh more – and contain more nutrients – than the same volume of a formulation made with a different fat source.
(2) Formulation affects density
Today’s higher-protein milk replacers – such as 28% protein compared to traditional 20% formulations – are typically denser by weight. Fat level also influences density. For example, a 25% fat milk replacer will generally weigh more per scoop than a 15% fat formulation.
Although two products may fill the same measuring cup, they may deliver very different nutrient levels simply because the ingredients in one weigh significantly more than the other.
(3) Environmental conditions change how powder packs
The ideal environment for mixing milk replacer is approximately 70°F with 30-50% relative humidity. But hot, humid weather or extremely cold conditions can change how powder settles and packs together, affecting its density.
Storage conditions can also lead to clumping or hard-packed powder, making it even more difficult to measure accurately with a scoop.
Small differences add up
Our in-house laboratory at Strauss Feeds evaluates thousands of milk replacer samples each year, and we see this variation every day. Two samples can occupy the same volume, but weigh 120 grams, 150 grams, or even 180 grams. Research conducted on commercial farms also has shown that scooped milk replacer can vary in weight by 25% or more.
And there’s another source of inconsistency: people. On most dairies and calf ranches, multiple individuals prepare milk replacer throughout the week. One person’s “full scoop” could be another’s heaping scoop – or only three-quarters full.
Why consistency matters
All these examples of variation lead to one major problem for calves: inconsistent nutrition.
Too little powder can limit nutrient intake, immune function, and growth. Too much powder can increase osmolality in the digestive tract, potentially contributing to digestive upsets and scours.
During the pre-weaning period, calves have little tolerance for inconsistency. They perform best when they receive the same nutrient concentration at every feeding, every day.
The simple solution: Use a scale
Fortunately, achieving consistent mixing is straightforward. Measuring milk replacer by weight with a calibrated scale provides accurate, repeatable results regardless of formulation, weather conditions, or who prepares the mix.
Several types of scales can work well on the farm, including digital kitchen scales, hanging spring scales, and postal scales. Digital scales offer the added convenience of a tare function, allowing you to zero out the weight of your container before weighing the product.
If your feeding program specifies ounces but your scale measures grams, the conversion is simple: 1 ounce equals approximately 28.35 grams. For example, 12 ounces of milk replacer equals approximately 340 grams.
Finally, keep your scale clean. Moisture, dust, and milk replacer residue can affect accuracy and create conditions that encourage bacterial growth. A quick daily cleaning helps ensure reliable results and extends the life of the scale.
Your Strauss Feeds representative can help you select and implement a weighing system that fits your operation, making it easier to deliver consistent nutrition that supports healthy calves and strong performance.
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