Why feed a whey milk replacer?
Whilst much of the information below relates to calves, the principles apply to lambs and goat kids too.
There are essential differences in solubility, intake, digestibility (making use of nutrients) and consistency of quality when it comes to different milk replacers.
These differences have a major impact on the health and growth of young animals.
We offer a range of consistently good quality Sprayfo whey-based milk replacers that will meet the energy requirements of growing calves, lambs or goat kids, effectively boosting growth rates.
Whey is easy to digest
Quality whey-based milk replacers are easily digested in the gut.
For example, Sprayfo whey CMR will move through a calf in only 2-3 hours, compared to 5-8 hours for traditional curding (casein) formulas.
Casein
Casein forms a curd in the abomasum - needs approximately 7-8% casein to form a good curd – total volume.
Takes 2-3 times longer to digest, so animal feels fuller for longer
Can restrict some animals concentrate intake, potentially slowing rumen development
Majority of calf milk replacers sold in NZ are casein-based (approx. 75%)
Whey
Whey doesn’t form a curd in the abomasum.
Digests 2-3 times faster, so animals are hungrier quicker and seek feed, ie. Concentrates
Aids in faster rumen development
Good quality whey-based products proven to help reduce incidence of nutritional scours too
Note:
Care needs to be taken not to over feed
Care needs to be taken when feeding directly off colostrum
Traditionally, most whey calf milk replacers weren’t recommended to be fed before 14-21 days. However, Sprayfo Blue Premium calf milk replacer can be fed to young calves directly from colostrum.
Whey helps the weaning process
Animals reared on whey-based powders develop their rumen quicker, handling the transition through weaning with a reduced risk of the growth check common in stock reared on curding powder.
Early rumen development is essential for profitable animal rearing.
Rearers report less stress and continued strong growth rates, making for healthier, bigger, well-conditioned young stock.
