• OPTI-MILK Essential 22.5:20 Milk Replacer bag image
HEIFER OPTIMIZER

OPTI-MILK Essential 22.5:20 Milk Replacer

Milk Replacer Powder
22.5
Protein
20.0
Fat
0.15
Fiber

All of the essential premium nutrition to support healthy young calf growth and set the foundation for their productive future.

Specially Formulated For:

Life Stages

Calf
Advantages
Analysis & Ingredients
Feeding Instructions
Resources

OPTI-MILK Essential 22.5:20 Milk Replacer Advantages

Milk Protein: for maximum protein digestibility and utilization by the calf.

Organic Trace Minerals: for optimum bioavailability.

MOS: a yeast extract prebiotic to develop and support a healthy gut microbiome and increase nutrient absorption.

b-Glucan: A natural prebiotic that promotes the innate immune system’s ability to fight pathogens.

MCTs: Medium chain triglycerides allow for maximum energy to be quickly allocated to growth and development.

Balanced Fatty Acid Profile: Broader source of energy for growth and optimal weight gain. Mimics whole milk profile for more efficient utilization.

Plasma: a highly digestible source of functional proteins, which enhance immunoglobulin levels for optimal intestinal environment and protection against disease causing pathogens.

Bovatec®: For control of coccidiosis, and improved rate of gain and feed efficiency.

Clarifly®: Seasonally added to help decrease fly populations by stopping them in their larval stage.

Superior Mixability: Protein encapsulated fats provide unique technology for superior mixing, and improved fat digestibility for increased performance.

(Bovatec® is a trademark of Zoetis, ClariFly® is a trademark of Wellmark International)

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein(Min)22.50%
Crude Fat(Min)20.00%
Crude Fiber(Max)0.15%
Ash(Max)8%
Calcium(Min)0.75%
Calcium(Max)1.25%
Phosphorus(Min)0.70%
Vitamin A(Min)20000 IU/LB
Vitamin D3(Min)5000 IU/LB
Vitamin E(Min)150 IU/LB
Lasalocid(Bovatec®)30.00 mg/lb
Seasonally formulated with Diflubenzuron(ClariFly®)9.1g/ton

Ingredients

Dried whey protein concentrate, lard (preserved with BHA, BHT, and citric acid), dried whey product, dried whey solubles, dried bovine plasma, coconut oil, soybean oil (preserved with TBHQ and citric acid), DL-methionine, L-lysine, yeast extract, calcium carbonate, calcium chloride, dicalcium phosphate, Vitamin E supplement, ascorbic acid, Vitamin A acetate, Vitamin B12 supplement, niacinamide, biotin, folic acid, d-Calcium pantothenate, Vitamin D3 supplement, riboflavin, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K3), magnesium oxide, choline chloride, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate, selenium yeast, brewers’ dried yeast, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, cobalt sulfate, artificial flavor, soy lecithin, polyoxyethylene glycol (400) mono- and dioleates (preserved with BHA), ethoxylated mono and diglycerides, silicon dioxide

Feeding Amounts & Instructions

Batch feeding: Add water at 120°F to half the desired final volume. Mix in total amount of MR until a uniform solution is obtained. Add remaining water to desired final volume and complete mixing. Feed at 102-107°F. Mix rate is 1.1lbs of MR per 1 gallon of final volume. Use a scale to weigh every feeding. Inspect and clean equipment daily.

Automatic feeders: Program your feeder to provide 150 g of MR per 1 L water. Ensure water temperature at mixing is 108-112°F (42-45°C). Inspect and clean equipment daily, including mixer, lines, and nipples.

Large batches, 2x feeding: Mix 5.5 lbs of MR with water to a final volume of 5 gallons.

Recommended 2x daily feeding for average weight calves in mild environments

Calf Age
Week 1-2Week 3-4Week 5-7Week 8-9
Milk Replacer Volume0.85 lb1.1 lb1.3 lbStep down weaning over 10-21 days
Final Volume3 qts4 qts4.5 qts
Total powder fed per day1.7 lbs2.2 lbs2.6 lbs

For individualized feeding schedules for specific breeds, winter feeding, or circumstances specific to your operation, please consult with your Poulin Grain Dairy Nutrition Advisor.

Fed at the recommended feeding rate, this milk replacer will provide 1 lm of lasalocid/2.2 lb body weight/day for a 125 lb calf.

The safety of Lasalocid in unapproved species has not been established. Do not allow horses or other equines, dogs or cats, access to feed containing lasalocid as ingestion may be fatal.

A withdrawal period has not been established for Lasalocid in pre-ruminating cattle. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal.

General Calf feeding recommendations:

  • These recommendations are a standard guideline and should be adjusted to individual calf needs.

  • High quality colostrum should be given within 2-6 hrs of birth to provide at least 200 g of IgG. Feed 2-3 feedings

  • Begin feeding milk replacer on the 2nd day of life.

  • Start to wean when calf is over 48 days of age. Wean by stepping down MR intake over 10-21 days while starter intake increases. Target 4lb of starter intake for 3 consecutive days. Example: Reduce total intake to 6 qts for 3-4 days; then to 4 qts for 4-6 days; then to 2 qts for 3-5 days.

  • Fresh water and high-quality starter should always be offered free choice.

Dairy Feeding Guidelines

For Calves and Heifers:

  • Feed large breed calves 4 quarts of high quality colostrum within 2 hours of birth and again 12 hours later. Adjust amounts for small breed calves. If colostrum quality or quantity is low, consider using a colostrum supplement or replacer.

  • Offer free choice water from day 2.

  • Offer free choice calf starter from day 3, starting with a small amount, and increasing as they begin to eat. Calves weaned at 8 weeks of age or less should be consuming 3-4 pounds of starter grain per head per day. Never let calves go without available starter.

  • Wean calves off milk over a 10-16 day period.

  • At 12 weeks, gradually switch to heifer grower pellet, offering increasing amounts of hay.

Milk Replacer Feeding:

  • See product tag for feeding guidelines for optimal biologic growth.

  • Weigh MR powder every feeding for accuracy and consistency.

  • Mix MR powder in 110-120° F. water. Feed to calves soon thereafter, at 105° F.

  • Mix MR powder thoroughly with half of the desired final liquid volume. Add water to reach final volume and temperature; mix or whisk solution thoroughly. Feed immediately.

  • For large mixing batches, agitate while dispensing to individual feeding containers to prevent settling.

Acidified Milk Replacer Feeding:

  • Check milk replacer solution pH prior to feeding to ensure 4.0-4.5 pH.

  • Keep at 70-90°F after mixing and feed free choice via nipple feeder.

  • Mix fresh every 24-28 hours.

  • Keep equipment, nipples and hoses clean daily.

Forage Testing & Customized Feed Plans

Your animal is unique – let us tailor a feeding recommendation to their needs.

Forage is the foundation for any high performing nutrition program, but do you know what nutrients your forage is providing or lacking?

Our unique forage testing program allows a high level of precision when it comes to your animal’s diet. That means more complete nutrition, less guessing, healthier animals and happier owners.

Poulin Grain offers complimentary forage analysis, and personalized feeding recommendations for your animals. Contact us today for a free one-on-one consult with our feed experts.

Group 9 Contact for Forage Testing or Nutrition Consult

Prefer to call us? You can reach us at 800-334-6731.
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Testimonials

The calf I grew with Poulin’s Alphaline Calf Starter... grew about 2.2lbs/day of gain prior to weaning... she placed 3rd out of 26 at a high-profile Jersey Show in Pennsylvania.

- Wanda Emerich #PoulinPowered Share Your Story!
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