Proper Storage Ensures Milk Replacer Quality
Jan 06, 2022
Tara Jo Bina
Countryside Feed Nutritionist
Milk replacer is an important tool to have on hand during calving, lambing, or kidding season. Providing quality nutrition to newborn animals in the event their mother cannot (or will nor) is essential to getting young animals off to a great start. After choosing the milk replacer that fits your operation, proper storage is key to make sure it is ready to use! Below are some best practices for milk replacer storage:
Store in a temperature and humidity controlled area: Milk replacer stores best in atmospheres between 41-68ºF and less than 60% relative humidity (Grober Nutrition Inc., 2011). Temperature changes and high humidity can cause condensation in bags, potentially leading to clumping and spoilage.
Keep milk replacer away from potential moisture exposure: Water sources, humid calf barns, mixing areas, etc. are all places to avoid storing milk replacer. If the powder gets wet, it can start to spoil, which can impact the smell and taste of the milk replacer as well as decrease nutritional value.
Store bags on pallets: Pallets should be stored with a few inches of space from any walls, this reduces moisture absorption from the ground and walls. Pallets can also help with pest management.
Do not stack pallets more than 2 high: This helps avoid compaction of the milk replacer powder.
Store open bags in air tight container: Once bags are open, limiting oxygen exposure helps prevent fat oxidation and rancidity.
Practice good pest management: Mice, birds, bugs, and even family pets carry bacteria that can cause diseases in young stock.
Proper storage of milk replacer can make a difference in the quality of product provided to young animals. Don't let a storage mishap decrease the nutritional value of your milk replacer! Contact your Countryisde Feed representative with questions about milk replacer for calves, lambs, or kids!
*Grober Nutrition, Inc. 2011. Calf GroFacts. Milk Replacer Storage.