Is it advisable to switch from milk replacer to whole milk?

[roohound]

I am considering bringing home a 10-12 week Boer/Nubian mix. As of last night his current owner says this week he needs one bottle a day and next week 1/2 bottle a day and then he should be weaned.

He's been eating sav a kid milk replacer and I was wondering if it would be ok to switch him to whole cow milk to finish off his weaning. Or, since he doesn't have a lot more bottle work left would it be best to finish him with what he's used to? I have no issue with the sav a kid, but I keep seeing various sites that say whole milk is definitely the way to go.

Thanks in advance!

 

[20kidsonhill]

I think it is stressful enough having them switch homes, I recommend keeping the feeding the same, as long as the kid looks good. This includes finding out what kind of grain the kid is on.


Also at that age you should worry about coccidiosis outbreak from stress of moving the kid.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

I personally would just wean him, or keep him on whatever he's currently eating. Switching to feed for 1 more week is going to cause issues and it's not really needed. If he's done fine on replacer thus far you may as well keep him on it! But he's definitely old enough to be weaned, and many animals get weaned cold turkey and do great.

 

[PattySh]

I think he's old enough to wean also. Make sure he is eating hay and grain and drinking water well. I never wean gradually I think it makes them more mad about the whole situation. They may grumble about it for a couple of days but they are always fine. Is he going to be alone or have a buddy at your house?