Milk replacer and Electrolytes

[Bubbas Boys]

Looked at our farm store for supplies so we can be ready when the dairy calls us. The only MR they have is medicated. Is that ok, what do you folks use? Also, when everyone speaks of electrolytes do you use the livestock kind in the farm stores or something like pedialyte for babies? Thanks!

[Donna from Mo]

You buy the electrolytes for cattle, there are several brands and I think they all do the same job. If you're lucky you won't have to use it, but I like to keep it on hand just in case. I think all milk replacer is medicated. Just don't overfeed, especially during the first couple of weeks. I also keep some scours pills on hand that I buy from the vet. It pays to be prepared.

[sammyd]

not all MR is medicated but using the medicated kind shouldn't be an issue, those calves need every advantage they can get.
We get the electrolytes from the farm store.

[Bubbas Boys]

Ok. Thanks, just wanting to have the items we need ready.

[wr]

I'm not a fan of medicated milk replacer because I'm of the opinion that I will treat problems as they arise rather than simply medicating for things that may happen. I'd rather give a correct dosage of something I select than a general dose of something that may fix something.

Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference but I do think people miss Walt signs of illness because they believe that medicated replacer has all bases covered.

If you're stocking up on electrolytes, buy a product made for calves but take the time to familiarize yourself with the instructions before you need it.

I don't like the hard nipples that are sold for calves and prefer to start little guys with a 2L pop bottle and the softer nipples.

[Wild_Bill]

I would not buy the MR from tsc. Though they do carry both medicated and non medicated. I buy my MR from local feed store. I only use non soy non medicated for the babies. It cost about $20 a bag more then the cheap stuff, but never lost a calf on it.

[blanket]

been following some of your posts and you say you have goats. If they are milk goats I would feed them milk not replacer. Make sure the calves have gotten colostrum from their momma before bringing them home. Usually not a problem if getting them from a dairy as the post birth milk is thrown out

[Bubbas Boys]

Blanket, we would love to but we have no girls in milk right now. Soon but not now. Thanks!

[blanket]

Then keep some electrolytes on the shelf, some syringes and LA200 Antibiotics handy and non soy milk replacer. Watch for runny eyes and snotty noses, coughs, sluggish activity, dull eyes,loss of appetite and scours ( the runs). Get on vetting any of the above asap and keep an eye on them. Good luck with the calves. Mid state Ill. has enough cold and wind that you will want to keep them out of it. Calves can go upside down in a hurry without their mommas

[Bubbas Boys]

Sure does Double R. What exactly do you mean when you say probiotics? Is there a calf kind you use?

[njenner]

We've used TSC non-medicated ML several times. We have not had a problem so did we just get "lucky"? Can someone explain why it should be avoided? Our feed store sells it only by the bucket and it is 3 times the cost.

[Bubbas Boys]

I checked the deed mill today and it is $87.00 fot 50lb bag.