Many dairy farms go back and forth on whether to feed waste milk (WM) or milk replacer (MR) to their calves. This decision is not easy, as each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it comes down to a farm’s circumstances, herd size, goals, and labor availability. In a Miner Institute Farm Report article, researcher Marcos Marcondes compared the two options and provided research examples as to how they compare.
A recent study compared feeding waste milk and milk replacer to preweaned Holstein calves, and it was found that waste milk offers many advantages compared to feeding milk replacer. Waste milk is an on-farm by-product, making it easy to have on hand at all times. Because of this, it is also less expensive than milk replacer, simply because it doesn’t have a direct cost.
In the study, calves fed waste milk saw higher growth and body weight rates and had improved skeletal development versus calves fed milk replacer. “This performance boost was linked to higher nutrient intake, particularly fat and metabolizable energy found in waste milk,” the researcher explained. Calves fed waste milk also had fewer days of diarrhea, pneumonia, and treatment. All of these attributes can be linked back to the bioactive compounds and nutrients found in waste milk, which in turn provide the calf with better immune function and adequate gut health. “The study found that calves fed waste milk consumed more starter feeding, suggesting a quicker transition to solid feed and enhanced rumen development,” the researcher said.
On the other hand, milk replacer provides more efficiency and requires less handling than waste milk. For large farms or farms who are short on labor, this could be the better option. If feeding milk replacer, it is important to note how variable products can be from one another. Typically, milk replacer contains more lactose and less fat, resulting in higher milk intake and lower energy efficiency.
Each option has its own set of benefits. Choose what works best for your operation by investing in the right feeding strategy. It is important to note that if feeding waste milk, pasteurization management is key to eliminate harmful pathogens that could potentially affect the calf. Decide what will lead your operation to the path of success by capitalizing on your feeding program.
