How to Make a Bottle for a Calf at Home

Just like nursing a human baby, bottle-feeding a baby calf can be a challenge when the calf is not in the mood to eat, has lost its mother or is distracted. By learning how to prepare a nutritious bottle that stimulates the calf̵7;s appetite and provides it with the nutrients it needs to grow, as well as putting the calf in the best possible position to receive the bottle, you will train your calf to bottle-feed well.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 quarts milk replacer
  • Warm water
  • Calf nursing bottle with screw-on nipple ring
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare two quarts of milk replacer by mixing it according to the manufacturer's instructions (the ratio of dry milk replacer powder to warm water may vary from brand to brand). Pour the mixed solution into a calf nursing bottle.

    • 2

      Shake the bottle vigorously for 1-2 minutes or until the dry powder is dissolved completely. Screw the nipple ring onto the top of the bottle.

    • 3

      Set the calf into a small pen. Sprinkle some of the milk replacer from the bottle onto the calf̵7;s nose and wait for the calf to lick it off.

    • 4

      Place the bottle in the calf's mouth three or four times, waiting a few minutes each time for the calv to begin sucking on the bottle. Try this for 15 minutes; if the calf won̵7;t nurse, try again that evening. Continue introducing the calf to the bottle for a few days until it becomes accustomed to bottle feeding.