Adding electrolytes to milk or milk replacer
This is the title of a new Calf Note, #206 (see www.calfnotes.com/new) written by Dr. Jim Quigley.
His advice is brief and to the point:
"Don't add powdered electrolytes to milk or milk replacer. Just don't."
He describes in detail the significant changes in milk/milk replacer when we add powdered electrolytes to them. Briefly, the concept of "osmolality" is involved - he has a link to Wikapedia on this topic. I like Dr. McGuirk's discussion, click HERE and scroll to page 11. She, too, discourages us from adding powdered electrolytes to milk or milk replacer.
His recommendation not to add powdered electrolytes to milk or milk replacer is based on the biology of abomasal emptying. This mistake, adding powdered electrolytes to either milk or milk replacer, under appropriate conditions can set up calves to have rapid growth of toxic bacteria in the gut. Good intentions can have bad outcomes.
In spite of the manufacturer's directions that may say their powdered electrolyte product can be added to milk/milk replacer, Dr. Quigley's advice is still,
"Don't add powdered electrolytes to milk or milk replacer. Just don't."