WildAgain Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc.

Changes Continue in Another ‘New’ Esbilac® Lot 3419E

Many mammal rehabilitators are aware that some juvenile wild mammals have had GI and other health problems after being fed formula made with Esbilac® powder manufactured since late 2008. Research and independent testing has revealed several contributing factors, such as change in weights, kcals, solubility, density/compaction, and stability. More info on that research is posted at www.ewildagain.org. Variability between lots (manufacturing runs) is compounding the issues.

WildAgain just received test results showing that Esbilac® powder lot 3419E (made on December 7, 2009) is significantly different from other lots produced in most of 2009 (Midwest Lab Esbilac® 3419E). Esbilac® 3419E is significantly higher in protein and kcals. Adding extra fat, such as MultiMilk®, UltraBoost® or heavy whipping cream, could result in diarrhea in squirrels.

Here’s more on the differences – and things to consider.

1.      The powder in Esbilac® 3419E compacts more in the package. Unless the packages are turned over many times to ensure even distribution, the powder at the bottom can weigh double what the powder weighs at the top.

2.      Lot 3419E is noticeably more yellow and mixes more like Esbilac® powder made before December 2008. This color variation is not a sign of rancidity, as the peroxide value test result was within acceptable levels for the bag tested.

3.      A tablespoon of Esbilac® powder in 3419E weighs more. WildAgain tests showed it weighed an average of 6.5 grams per tablespoon within a package, which is a 16% increase from the average of six different lots made earlier in 2009. Other rehabilitators found an even higher average weight per tablespoon. Because the texture of the product is very clumpy, sticky and inconsistent, it may be better to rely on the weight of the powder when mixing into a formula rather than using a measured volume (red scoop, etc.).

4.      The amount of protein in 3419E is 16% higher than the average of other lots of Esbilac® powder produced in 2009. The amount of fats in 3419E is 4% higher.

5.      This calculates to a 16% increase in kcals/cc (energy) in 3419E.

6.      While 3419E seems to mix more like the Esbilac® powder made prior to PetAg’s change to the single-step spray-dry process in December 2008, it still seems to go into solution better when mixed with hot water (about 175ºF) and then allowed to rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and preferably 8 hours.

7.      The label of 3419E indicates that Esbilac® powder includes the amino acid taurine – which has been found to help many vital organs, including heart, brain and eyes in many species.

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, and has more kcals and proteins and a more acceptable level of fat, adding any extra fats makes a formula that is much richer – and has resulted in some squirrels getting diarrhea.

The squirrels did better with lot 3419E when it was mixed with 1 part Esbilac® powder to 2 parts hotter water  (170ºF) – and allowing the formula to ‘rest’ in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before feeding it – and no additional fats were added.

Rehabilitators using 3419E need to know of these changes so they may decide about adjusting the formula ‘recipe.’ Additional information on Esbilac® powder and other milk replacers will be posted at www.ewildagain.org by mid-April.

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