In most cases, you'll get quality bottle calves, if you use good relacer. We use one that's made by Milk Specialties. 20% protein 20% fat. Medicated with Oxytetracycline. Runs almost a buck a pound in 50 lb. bags.My kids like raising bottle calves, and I figure that if you feed the best, you'll have a better product to hit the sale barn with, so far it's worked.