This third instalment of the series examines why farmers are not encouraged to feed whole milk to calves.

Whilst feeding a pre-weaned calf whole milk will ensure it receives a decent supply of energy and protein, the practice should also come with a health warning attached, according to Dr. Jessica Cooke from Feed for Growth (Volac Milk Replacers Limited).

Fortunately, around a third of all dairy farmers now seem to agree that it is not a good idea to feed whole milk to calves, according a 2024 survey of more than 270 milk producers.

Around 40% were unsure about the practice and only 25% disagreed that whole milk should not be fed.

“You may think you are feeding what nature intended, but unlike a carefully formulated, high quality calf milk replacer that mixes easily, whole milk can vary in consistency and quality,” Dr. Cooke stressed.

"In addition, whole milk can also delay the intake of solid feed by the calf, which may delay the age of successful weaning or result in post-weaning growth checks.”

On the other hand, Dr. Cooke stresses that precision-formulated calf milk replacers will always be bio-secure and hygienic (because they are made from pasteurised milk), as well as delivering a consistent macro and micro-nutrient supply to the calf when mixed and fed correctly.

“High quality calf milk replacer products such as any formulation from Feed for Growth tend to be lower in fat but higher in lactose than whole milk, which will encourage a better solid feed intake.

"Well-formulated Feed for Growth milk replacers are also better suited to automatic or computerised feeding systems,” she added.

Stick with a proven, high quality milk replacer

Consequently, whatever the market situation or how attractive economically it may seem to pre-weaned calves milk from your own dairy herd, there are three key reasons why you should always resist the temptation to divert milk destined for the bulk tank and sale:

Proven, well-formulated calf milk replacers provide a more consistent feed for your calves;
Proven, well-formulated calf milk replacers eliminate the risk of any in-feed disease transmission;
Proven, well-formulated calf milk replacers encourage better solid feed intakes and reduce the risk of growth checks.

However, Dr. Cooke advises that whether you choose whole milk or milk replacer, milk should always be prepared in hygienic conditions and stored in clean containers.

“Always clean feeding equipment between groups of calves and disinfect after every feeding to help reduce the spread of disease between calves," she said.

“What’s more, during the milk feeding period, it is essential that calves have access to clean fresh water and palatable calf starter from about three days of age – both of which aid rumen development."

For further information, get in touch with the Irish Feed For Growth team here.