While most people are enjoying the festive period, many farmers are planning for the arrival of calves this spring, and milk replacer is going to be needed.

Calves at birth are more similar to pigs than older cattle, as they are monogastric – meaning they have a single-compartment stomach, so, because of this, developing their rumen is vital during the rearing period. 

This also means that feeding calves a high quality source of milk or milk replacer is vital to ensure that their early nutritional needs are met.

On most farms that use milk replacer, it is introduced to calves at about three days of age.

Generally, this is after the calf has received colostrum and a number of feeds of transition milk.

If you are vaccinating calves for scour, it is vital that calves receive colostrum within the recommended time frame, and then transition milk for at least the few three days of life.

Depending on the manufacture of the vaccine, they may recommend longer, but this should be discussed with your vet.

Feeding milk replacer has a number of benefits, with the reduced risk of spreading disease a major one.

Below is a table that outlines some of the more popular milk replacers on the market and the price you can expect to pay for them.

It is important to note that these prices may change depending on where you are purchasing milk replacer, and should only be used as a guide.