Supporting Calf Performance from the Start – Introducing the VITAMILK Milk Replacer Range

Supporting Calf Performance from the Start – Introducing the VITAMILK Milk Replacer Range

The pre-weaning period is one of the most important stages in a calf’s development. Nutrition during these first weeks of life not only influences early growth and daily liveweight gain but also helps to establish the foundations for the future performance of the animal.

A high-quality milk replacer should provide more than simply a source of protein and energy. It needs to deliver highly digestible nutrients in a consistent and palatable form, while supplying the vitamins, minerals and trace elements required by the rapidly growing calf.

The VITAMILK range from Mazzoleni has been developed to provide a consistent nutritional foundation throughout the milk-feeding period, with different formulations available to suit individual calf-rearing systems and performance targets.

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Why Milk Replacer Quality Matters

Young calves have a developing digestive system, making the source, quality and digestibility of nutrients particularly important.

Milk-derived proteins provide highly digestible amino acids to support growth, while an appropriate supply of fat provides a concentrated source of energy. However, the crude protein and fat percentages on a label only tell part of the story. The quality and source of these nutrients, alongside the overall formulation of the milk replacer, are important considerations when selecting a product.

Consistency is equally important. Changes in milk concentration, preparation or feeding temperature can affect nutrient intake and digestive stability. A formulated milk replacer provides a controlled supply of nutrients from feed to feed, helping to maintain a consistent nutritional programme throughout the pre-weaning period.

 

VITAMILK M35

VITAMILK M35 contains 35% skimmed milk powder and provides 22.5% crude protein and 18.5% crude fat, delivering a balanced supply of protein and energy to support calf growth during the milk-feeding period.

The formulation is also fortified with vitamins A, D3, C and E, alongside key trace elements including copper, iron, iodine, manganese, zinc and both inorganic and organic sources of selenium.

 

VITAMILK M60

For calf-rearing systems where a greater inclusion of dairy protein is required, VITAMILK M60 contains 60% skimmed milk powder, providing 24% crude protein and 18.5% crude fat.

The higher skimmed milk powder inclusion provides a milk replacer built around a greater proportion of dairy-derived nutrients, offering an option for calf-rearing programmes focused on supporting strong early growth and performance.

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More Than Protein and Fat

When comparing milk replacers, it can be tempting to focus solely on the crude protein and fat percentages. However, these figures should always be considered alongside nutrient source, digestibility and the overall formulation of the product.

The proportion of milk-derived ingredients, protein quality, energy supply and vitamin and trace-element specification all contribute to the overall nutritional value of a milk replacer.

This is particularly important during the early stages of life, when calves require a nutrient-dense and highly digestible diet to support both maintenance requirements and growth.

The VITAMILK range provides a choice between 35% and 60% skimmed milk powder formulations, allowing the milk-feeding programme to be selected according to the requirements and objectives of the individual calf-rearing system.

 

Consistency from Mixing to the Calf

Correct preparation is essential to achieving consistent results from any milk replacer.

VITAMILK M35 should be mixed at 115–130 g of powder per litre of water. Water should be approximately 50°C during preparation, with the finished milk offered to calves at 40–42°C.

Maintaining a consistent powder concentration, water volume and feeding temperature helps ensure calves receive a predictable supply of nutrients at every feed.

Good hygiene is equally important. Feeding equipment should be kept clean and milk replacer should be prepared consistently according to the recommended feeding instructions.

 

Building the Foundations for Future Performance

Good calf nutrition is an investment in the future animal. Combining effective colostrum management with a consistent milk-feeding programme, early access to fresh water and a palatable calf starter provides the nutritional foundation for growth and successful weaning.

With VITAMILK M35 and VITAMILK M60, Mazzoleni offers milk replacer options for different calf-rearing systems and performance targets, with a focus on nutritional quality, consistency and practical on-farm feeding from the start.