For calves, milk is the most important feedstuff. In the first few weeks following birth, the calf has to take in all the nutritional elements necessary for healthy growth via milk. But which milk is best for the calf; cow’s whole milk, or calf milk replacers? Here, we present the facts.


Rearing and feeding change the composition of whole milk

At first thought, rearing calves with cow’s milk seems obvious. The cow naturally produces milk for the calf, so this should provide the ideal source of nutrition. However, rearing and feeding have influenced the composition of this milk. Over the years, the fat and protein content has increased, while the level of minerals and vitamins has decreased. As a result, the composition of whole milk no longer fully meets calves’ nutritional requirements.

This is demonstrated clearly in the table below.

When a calf is reared with cow’s milk, the calf’s intake of fat is relatively higher than its intake of protein. This is interesting, because the calf needs exactly the opposite. This imbalance of fat and protein could cause digestive problems such as diarrhoea. In addition, fatty milk results in a lower intake of concentrates. Rumen development will fall behind, which negatively affects growth after weaning. Recovery can take several weeks.

Cow’s milk therefore has too much fat for the calf, but at the same time a shortage of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. This means the calf’s natural build up of immunity will be damaged if it is reared with whole milk.

Feeding whole milk also entails other health risks. Diseases such as Mastitis and Para TBC can be transferred via whole milk. Whole milk diluted with water contains even fewer vitamins and minerals, varies in composition, and leads to poor functioning of the oesophagus slot. Consequently, the milk is difficult to digest and the calf may suffer from diarrhoea.


Sprayfo is tailored to the calf’s needs

Sprayfo calf milk replacer contains all the essential components necessary for young calves directly after their colostrum period. It includes dairy protein, vegetable fats, vitamins, minerals and trace elements in a balanced, consistent and appetising composition. In our own factory in Sloten (in the Dutch province of Friesland), liquid dairy products are blended with liquid fats and then pasteurised and homogenised. The product is subsequently dried to form dairy fat concentrates – small globules of fat encapsulated with dairy protein and lactose. This fat processing method ensures optimal digestibility, and is unique to Sprayfo.

The advantages of Sprayfo calf milk replacers at a glance:
 

• optimal fat / protein ratio
• optimal digestibility due to dairy fat concentrates
• complete supplementation with vitamins, minerals and trace elements
• easily soluble, even at low temperatures
• highly suitable for use in drinking machines
• stimulate concentrates intake, which enables proper rumen development
• prevent diarrhoea through the Sprayfo Safety Package
• reliable and constant quality
• positive economic results

Sprayfo is highly economic

When milk prices are low, or the milk quota limit is in sight, it is tempting to feed whole milk to calves. The current cost price (mid-2009) of whole milk is around EUR 0.30 per litre, whereas Sprayfo calf milk replacers cost around EUR 0.18 per litre. From this perspective, Sprayfo is highly economic.

Nevertheless, milk factories are not paying the cost price of whole milk at the moment. This is precisely when it makes sense to select Sprayfo for optimal calf rearing. It is important not to focus solely on milk prices when rearing calves, but to concentrate on results over the longer term. Feeding Sprayfo calf milk replacers optimises calves’ growth when they are young. Optimal growth yields translate into lower mortality rates, and higher milk production.