The benefits of energised calf milk vs calf milk replacer

By Millie Hendy
3 Aug 2021
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Avoid the risks of exceeding nutrient tolerance

The graph shows at what level calves reach their nutrient tolerance for lactose. The red line represents a typical high plane of nutrition using a typical calf milk replacer where, especially early in life, there is a risk of exceeding lactose tolerance, leading to nutritional diarrhoea.

For this reason, ECM has been developed with a lower lactose content to reduce the risk of exceeding lactose tolerance.

Osmolality levels: risk factor for calf scour

This parameter measures the concentration of solute particles in a solution and is calculated by adding the concentrations of sugars and minerals in mOsm/kg of solvent. Lactose content in CMR is the main contributor to the final osmolality value.

CMRs with elevated levels of osmolality can damage gut integrity, increase the risk of abomasal bloat (because of slower gastric emptying) and exacerbate diarrhoea severity in sick calves. We have therefore ensured that the osmolality level of ECM is closer to that of whole milk.

Calf Rearing Milk replacer

Millie Hendy View all posts by Millie Hendy

Youngstock Team Manager

A farmer’s daughter raised on a mixed beef and sheep farm near Bath, Millie brings a practical and hands-on approach to youngstock rearing. Living between Bath & Bristol, Millie will cover Somerset, Gloucestershire, South Herefordshire, North Wiltshire, North Somerset and eastwards along the M4 corridor.

With a keen passion for all types of livestock through success in the show ring, stock judging and having established her own pedigree shorthorn herd Millie joins the team bringing with her a wealth of knowledge on the beef industry. Previous experience as a livestock buyer has also lead to a great understanding of what is required when it comes end goal of your animal.

Posted in Calf & Youngstock and Calf Feeding