Grober Nutrition

Posts Tagged ‘amino acid structure’

Quality comes from several areas; the raw materials used, the method of manufacture and the soundness of the feeding nutrition program. All Grober milk replacers are manufactured with the same important high quality guidelines.

Sourcing of Quality Raw Materials

Quality raw materials are sourced and selected for optimum digestibility, solubility, suspension and thus absorption by the young animal.

 Most of the ingredients that make good milk replacers are by-products of industries that do not make milk replacers. Great care must be taken in selecting suppliers. Most raw materials come in a variety of grades. The standard of excellence in the milk replacer industry is to use EDIBLE GRADES of raw materials. The ingredients used in milk replacers must not only be palatable and nutritionally sound, but also be easily digested and encourage the development of favourable bacterial flora in the gut and to minimize digestive disturbances.

 Quality Checking

All raw materials are checked at arrival through a specific quality assurance program. The manufacturing process is monitored by HACCP procedures. The ingredients for each batch are computer logged and retained for one year. All finished products are quality controlled through identification, lot testing and guaranteed product freshness.

Quality of Formulations

Grober milk replacers are carefully formulated to provide the optimum nutrition for the young animal and improve on the quality of whole milk. There are now more than 50 parameters to be met in formulating and manufacturing a quality milk replacer. 10 minerals and 13 vitamins are added to closely match and improve on the profile of whole milk. 

Judging Quality

Milk replacers are made up of three types of raw materials. 

Protein

The quality of protein is based on its amino acid structure. Important parameters are: the amount of amino acids to meet the animal’s requirements, the relationship of each amino acid to the others and the availability of the amino acid to the animal. Protein is utilized for growth more efficiently when the supply of amino acids more closely matches that of tissue requirements. 

Milk protein is used to provide optimum digestion at high intakes and growth requirements. Lysine and methionine are added to improve the amino acid balance. Vegetable proteins can be included in milk replacers but must be very carefully selected and formulated into the complete ration. 

At high intakes whey products are utilized in preference to skim-based products, as the calf tends to better absorb the nutrients through a ‘one step’ process. Avoiding the clotting process required by skim products allows for easier digestion at these high intakes. 

Energy

Fat is extremely important in milk replacers. Young animals require highly digestible fats in order to maximize growth potentials. The correct ratio of energy to protein is required for the young animal to best utilize nutrients. 

A specific quality blend of ‘edible grade’ fats and oils (lard, tallow and coconut oil) are selected and blended for Grober milk replacers to best meet the energy needs of the fast growing animal. The blend is carefully selected for its high digestibility, fatty acid profile and saturation structure, providing a profile similar to milk fat. These factors ensure a high digestibility for the young animal. Correct mixing of the milk replacer and temperature of water used will provide a more uniform blend and low fat particle size (<1.5 microns). These factors encourage optimum absorption capacity. 

Lactose should be the major carbohydrate energy source for young animals. The immature intestine possesses limited carbohydrate activity except for lactase. Lactose is provided from whey products. 

Fibre

Fibre should not be added to milk replacers. A measure of quality of the ingredients can be seen in the fibre content being less than 0.15% (this would indicate all milk products being used). Some vegetable proteins can increase the level of fiber to 0.3%. Careful selection and formulation is required to keep this level to a minimum. 

Mineral and Vitamins

The premix used is balanced to provide for the high growth potential of this specialist management system. A specialized premix is provided under the expert guidance of Denkavit (a major manufacturer of premixes in Europe). Vitamins deteriorate with time exposure to light and air and thus source and stability are important to maintain viability for the young animal. Mineral sources are important in the form in which they are provided. Different sources show different solubility and absorption characteristics. Water dispersible forms must be used for milk replacers. 

Minerals and vitamins are chosen for high solubility, suspendability and good distribution in the premix. These parameters are important for optimum absorption and in producing a liquid feed. 

The newborn has a low status of vitamin E. Vitamin E in the milk replacer is at a level to better support the young animals immune response. When reconstituted and fed according to schedule, this level more closely reflects the Vitamin E content naturally found in colostrum. 

Product Appearance

Grober manufactures milk replacers utilizing the unique process of ‘freeze crystallizing’. The process utilizes liquid nitrogen gas with the milk products and fats during the manufacture of Grober milk replacers. This ensures a high wettability, conformity and consistency for every lot manufactured, resulting in easy mixing at the correct temperature. 

Product should be freshly prepared and packed in suitable bags to ensure constant freshness. Once opened, always reseal bag and store in an airtight container (plastic garbage cans are good).

High quality raw materials and our improved processing methods allow us to provide a high quality milk replacer with high efficiency and digestion that can be fed at higher rates if desired.

High quality and high protein starter feed is paramount in maintaining the early growth advantage provided by this system. 

A high quality milk replacer is paramount in successful and healthy rearing. However, high standards of management and hygiene are also essential to ensure that animals have a high level of immunity, is reared in clean surroundings, adequately ventilated, and in the absence of stress.

Andre Roy MSc.

Sally Charlton BSc. (Hons)

April 2003

We put the best possible ingredients to work for you.

All good milk replacers use milk protein for good digestion. Grober Milk Replacers go beyond just milk protein.

We blend together combinations of milk products to provide the amino acid structure required for total digestion and absorption.

We even add several proteins found wanting in all available milk products.

To this high quality energy base, we then add specially selected vitamins, coated for longer shelf life, and minerals chosen for their availability and digestibility.

Taurine, an amino acid that is often added in adult rations is also provided in our milk replacer.