Rearing young ruminants on milk replacers and starter feeds

Rearing young
ruminants on milk
replacers and
starter feeds

FAO ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND HEALTH
Manual 13

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Rome 2011

Abstract

This manual presents comprehensive information on the preparation and feeding of milk replacers and starter feeds for pre-ruminants. It keeps in view the situation prevailing in developing countries and the demand for ruminant milk for human consumption. Although the substitutes for dam’s milk can be prepared from by-products of milk and feed ingredients that are not preferred for human consumption, awareness about such alternatives is limited in many developing countries. Therefore, popularisation of preparation and feeding of milk replacers and starter feeds using locally available ingredients is useful in promoting survivability and growth of young stock.

The target audiences for this manual are livestock extension workers engaged in developing countries. The manual is also useful for students and teachers of ruminant production and for small scale industries and researchers that wish to produce milk replacers and starter feeds.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgement

Preface

Introduction

References

Digestive system of pre‑ruminants

Development of the forestomach
Enzyme activity in the digestive system
References

Nutrients, their role and requirement for pre-ruminants

Water
Carbohydrates
Protein
Fats and oils
Energy
Minerals
Vitamins
Nutrient requirement of pre-ruminants
References

Ingredients used in milk replacers and starter feeds

Ingredients used in milk replacers
Ingredients used in starter feed
References

Formulating and feeding milk replacers and starter feeds to pre-ruminant stock in developing countries

Cattle
Buffalo
Sheep
Goat
Camels and yaks
References

Guidelines for formulation and feeding milk replacers and starter feeds

Milk replacer
Alternatives to milk replacers
Using restricted whole milk or milk by-products and pre-starter feed in porridge form
Starter feeds
References

About the authors

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.

The views expressed in this information product are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of FAO.

ISBN 978-92-5-107049-9

All rights reserved. FAO encourages reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product. Non-commercial uses will be authorized free of charge, upon request. Reproduction for resale or other commercial purposes, including educational purposes, may incur fees. Applications for permission to reproduce or disseminate FAO copyright materials, and all queries concerning rights and licences, should be addressed by e-mail to [email protected], or to the:

Chief, Publishing Policy and Support Branch
Office of Knowledge Exchange, Research and Extension
FAO
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00153 Rome, Italy