To keep your milk replacer fresh and maintain all key components, how you store your milk replacer matters. Here are 5 storage recommendations to keep your milk replacer at peak performance.

1. Milk replacer should be first in, first out. So whatever milk replacer you’re opening first, that should be used before you open any other bags.
2. Keep your milk replacer away from any water source and significant light exposure. Water and light can affect the quality of milk replacer, so it is important to keep it in a dry, shaded location.
3. Make sure you close and seal the bag or keep your milk replacer in a container, such as a Tupperware container or bin with a lid, to maintain freshness.
4. The optimal storage temperature for milk replacer throughout all seasons is between 5°C and 20°
5. Milk replacer is best if used within one year of purchase, to reduce the risk of fat oxidation and reduction of vitamin activity.

Another important thing to consider when using and storing milk replacer is seasonality. Hot and cold weather impact milk replacer differently, and it’s important to be aware of what can happen to your milk replacer during temperature fluctuations in the different seasons.

During the summer months when temperatures typically exceed 25°C, these high temperatures induce moisture, which leads to spoilage and clumping. This can affect the smell, taste and the nutrient value of the product.

Meanwhile, in the winter when temperatures drop below the freezing point, there are often rapid temperature changes which lead to condensation. This can cause clumps in the milk replacer which can lead to inaccurate measuring, and improper mixing. These two combined lead to a decreased digestibility of the milk replacer.

By following our 5 tips for proper milk replacer storage, you can keep your milk replacer at peak performance, all year long.

How to determine the best before date of your milk replacer

Each lot of milk replacer we manufacture must be identified with its own individual lot number, code, and date of manufacture. This allows for traceability of products from the plant to the farm.

The stamped or stickered label on each bag of milk replacer can also help you identify what the product is if the identification tag is missing from the bag, as well as the date of manufacture which allows you to determine the best before date. Here is a breakdown of what the stamp on each bag of milk replacer means:

20kg & 25kg bags

Each 20kg and 25kg bag of milk replacer is stamped on the side gusset after filling

10kg bags

10kg bags of milk replacer have a sticker placed on the top end of the bag after filling.

Milk replacer products are best if used within 1 year* of the date of manufacture.

*AlphaVeal, VealGro, VealGro A+ and Grober Grower are best if used within 4-6 months after date of manufacture due to the type of fat used in these products.