Advice Hub

A blended milk substitute reconstituted with water to feed young animals. It supports rumen development and provides the nutrition needed for optimum health and growth through the rearing period.

Different products meet different rearing needs — from day 4 through to finishing. Whether you're feeding from birth, switching from whole milk, fortifying, or need a product with or without a coccidiostat, there's a Milligans product to suit your system.

Whole milk is roughly 80% casein protein. In the abomasum, it slows digestion and allows steady nutrient release over up to 7 hours. It keeps animals fuller for longer and closely mimics the behaviour of whole milk.

Whey is the by-product of cheese making. It passes to the small intestine and is absorbed faster, in around 3 hours. The animal can feel hungry sooner, so early and consistent meal feeding is critical with whey-based formulas.

Both are equally effective for growth — they just work differently. The right choice depends on species, age and your rearing system. Call us on 0800 STOCKFEED if you're unsure which suits your setup.

Fed from day 4 to weaning, a calf typically uses 1.5–2 bags depending on your system and feeding rate.

At the recommended twice-daily rate of 125g per litre, a 20kg bag makes 160 litres.

Warm water (38–40°C) ensures the powder dissolves fully. Cold water means incomplete mixing, and cold milk can bypass the abomasum and enter the rumen — causing real health problems.

Add powder to water — not water to powder. Mix at 38–40°C until completely dissolved.

Twice daily for the first two to four weeks — morning and evening with approximately 8 hours between feeds. Research consistently shows better outcomes with twice-daily feeding in the early weeks.

Mix CMR as per instructions then combine with whole milk at a 1:1 ratio. For OAD systems, add CMR powder directly to whole milk at 125g per litre.

Never — always at least 4 hours apart. Electrolytes interfere with the milk clotting process in the abomasum.

No — mix and feed immediately every time. For automatic feeders, refrigerate and use within 24 hours. Reheat to 38–40°C before feeding.

The Milligans brand is our premium range with the most refined formulation. The GO Range offers reliable nutrition at a more accessible price. Both are produced at the same Oamaru facility to the same quality standard.

Classic CMR or ExcelPlus CMR. Classic has 35 years of proven results. ExcelPlus adds our immune and growth health package for farmers making a serious investment in replacement genetics.

GOlamb Whey is our dedicated lamb formula for NZ conditions. Milligans MMR is the practical choice for mixed-species operations.

Yes — Milligans MMR and GOmulti are formulated for multi-species use across lambs, goat kids, foals, fawns, piglets, cria, pups and kittens.

Both work well. Whole milk carries disease transfer risk — including Mycoplasma bovis — and variable quality. Milk replacers provide consistent nutrition and no disease transfer risk. Many operations use both — GOcalf Boost and ExcelPlus Milk Additive are specifically designed to work alongside whole milk.

You can find our range of products through our key distributor network throughout new Zealand via Farmlands nationwide, Ruralco, Clarkes Seed and Feed Southland, leading rural merchant stores and vets nation wide.