GENERAL TOPICS: Volume 9.04 Storage & Shelf Life of Milk Replacers & Supplements

HOW CAN I TELL WHEN A MILK REPLACER WAS MANUFACTURED?
Every manufacturer is required to print a manufacture date code on each retail package of animal feed products so that they can be traced in the event of a problem. Milk Products uses the following system for all Sav-A-Caf® brand products:

The manufacture date code is printed on the package after it is filled with product. It is a “born on” date, NOT an expiration date. On large paper bags (25 lb & 50 lb) the date code can be found on the bottom ¼ of bag on the back. On pails and plastic bags, the code will be printed on the side of pail or on the back of bag.

For milk replacers in large paper bags, the date code format will be A06/01/09/D, where 6/1/09 is the manufacture date.

For pails and re-sealable plastic bags, the date code format will be AF901AZ, where “F” represents the month (June) and “9” represents the year (2009). The next two numbers are the day of the month, for a manufacture date of 6/1/09. The remaining month codes are as follows (Note: we skip “I” and use “J” for September because “I” resembles “1”):

A = January D = April G = July K = October B = February E = May H = August L = November C = March F = June J = September M = December

For single feeding packets (Electrolytes Plus, Scours Control 2 and Scours & Pneumonia Treatment), the date code format will be 150AF901AZ, where the first three numbers represent the “Julian date” (example: May 30th is the 150th day of the year 2009) that the product was manufactured. The remainder of the date code indicates when it was packaged, and is read the same way as the date codes for pails and plastic bags above.

WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF MILK REPLACERS AND RELATED SUPPLEMENTS?
Milk replacers contain milk proteins and fats that can degrade over time. The expected shelf life for milk replacers in good storage conditions is about 12 months past the manufacture date. The powder should be a uniform white to cream color, with no dark specks. The aroma should be sweet and fresh, not stale, sharp, or offensive in any way. After 2 years milk replacers that have been stored at room temperature should be discarded. This is especially important for medicated products, as the medication will not be effective once it is past its recommended shelf life.

Colostrum products have characteristics similar to milk replacer but their lower fat content, and the foil lined pouches most are packaged in, extends their shelf life up to an additional year. After 3 years colostrum products should be discarded. Most electrolytes products are relatively shelf stable, depending on the formulation. Moisture in the package can cause discoloration and/or lumping – this product should be discarded.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STORE MILK REPLACER?
A cool, dry place out of direct sunlight is the best place to store milk replacer powder and other related dry supplement products. Most dry milk replacers can be sealed tightly and frozen to extend shelf life up to a year past the shelf life expected at room temperature.

Once milk replacer powder has been mixed with water, it should be refrigerated promptly to slow bacterial growth. Re-warm refrigerated milk replacer solution gently over a warm water bath (microwaving is not recommended), and discard any leftover refrigerated milk replacer after 24 hours. Liquid colostrum and electrolytes solutions should not be stored after mixing – it is best to discard and start with fresh powder and water.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
If you have additional questions about our products, you can contact us by phone at 920-849-2348 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central Standard Time), or via e-mail at savacaf@milkproductsinc.com. You can also submit your question via our web site at the “Contact Us” link at www.savacaf.com. Sav-A-Caf® is a registered trademark of Milk Products LLC.

Milk Products • 435 East Main Street • Chilton, WI 53014 USA • 800-657-0793 • Fax: 920-849-9014 • www.savacaf.com • savacaf@milkproductsinc.com