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 disca
