MooseGro Milk Replacer for Large Cervidae

For:

Artificially Rearing Newborn Red Deer, North American Elk, Moose, Caribou Calves

Typically deer calves with birth-weight greater than 6kg

Guaranteed Analysis

Daily feeding schedule for 18-25 lb newborn

Colostrum

The newborn calf should be fed maternal colostrum (first mother’s milk) in the first 24hours.  This will help provide protection against future infections, particularly if the colostrum is fed before 12 hours.  If the mother’s colostrum is not available, the second option is to use cow’s colostrum.  If also not available, use a commercial colostrum replacer product.

General recommendations

• The quantity of milk replacer fed to the calf will vary depending on health, size and availability of mother’s milk.
• Feed at 18% body weight for the first 2 weeks, 15%BW 3-6 weeks and 10%BW for the rest.
• Approximately 55lb of powder will be consumed over an 8 week period.
• Quantities offered should be adjusted to weight (i.e. for bigger calves the intake will be higher) and increased gradually from birth to weaning.
• Any change in the feeding schedule should be done with judgement, according to calf’s growth, size and stool consistency.
• Frequent feeding of small amounts will decrease chances of digestive upsets.
• Weigh calves regularly to ensure that milk intake is adequate
• Reconstituted DeerGro may be refrigerated up to 24 hours.  Discard any unused portion after 24 hours.
• Clean ALL feeding utensils and equipment after each feeding: rinse in lukewarm water, wash with a detergent in hot (176^oF) water, rinse with clean water (ideally a weak bleach solution) and dry thoroughly with a ‘clean’ towel.
• Deer calves need assistance to help urinate and defecate for the first 2-3 weeks of life.  You need to assist by using a warm moist cloth and massaging over the anal area and perineum while it is nursing, until they urinate and or defecate.  You must be persistent, this is very important to their well being.
• Consult your veterinarian for any signs of disease, fever, parasites, …
  • If mother’s milk is insufficient for the calf’s need, wean the calf as early as possible and feed milk replacer only.
  • Introduce a quality starter ration, offer small, fresh quantities daily from 2 weeks of age.
• Offer good quality roughage (leafy material) and/or pasture on a free choice basis.
• Fresh, clean water should be always be available, particularly when consuming a significant amount of solids.

Starter ration, weaning, forage and water

• Introduce a quality starter ration, offer small, fresh quantities daily from 2 weeks of age.
• Offer good quality roughage (leafy material) and/or pasture on a free choice basis.
• Fresh, clean water should be always be available, particularly when consuming a significant amount of solids.