Just got this from Shirley Casey, who is doing all the research on the problems
WildAgain was recently informed that a new package of Esbilac® powder lot 3419E was heavier and mixed differently. Independent tests conducted on Esbilac® powder lot 3419E revealed that it weighed 16% more per tablespoon than the average of 6 previous lots manufactured in 2009 (tests available at
www.ewildagain.org). Esbilac® lot 3419E also has 16% more protein and calculated kcals than the previously mentioned lots. Exceeding the minimum amount of protein and kcals is certainly acceptable, but may affect how the milk replacer is mixed and the results. Taurine, the amino acid which is beneficial for many organs, has been added to Esbilac® according to the label on lot 3419E.
This is especially useful information since quite a few rehabilitators reported they added extra fats to the Esbilac® produced after December 17, 2008, partially due to the reduced weight and kcals in those lots.
But since 3419E weighs more, has more kcals and proteins, and has a more acceptable level of fat, adding extra fats makes a formula that is much richer – and resulted in some squirrels getting diarrhea when extra fats were added. Rehabilitators not adding extra fats to 3419E report better results.
More Esbilac® powder and lot 3419E is available on
www.ewildagain.org. Results of similar tests on other milk replacers will be posted at
www.ewildagain.org by mid-April.
Also, some rehabilitators are reporting the juvenile wild mammals have better stool when they give probiotics two times a day rather than including it in formula for every feeding. More information will be posted on ewildagain.org as it becomes available.
Please share this information with others who may be feeding Esbilac® to juvenile wild mammals in rehabilitation.
