The economic viability of four milk replacers was evaluated to determine the most cost-effective option for rearing Holstein bull calves. Thirty-two (N = 32, n = 8) 3-5 day old calves with an average weight of 40.8kg were randomly assigned to one of four treatments (Biomel®, FP-Biomel, Kalfpap®, FP-Kalfpap) in a 63-day trial, during which the milk replacers were fed. Milk replacer intake was limited to 6L/calf/day, while starter meal was offered ad libitum, with all intakes and refusals recorded. Financial parameters calculated included total cost, average daily cost and income from the sale of calves at the end of the trial. All measured parameters differed between treatments. In terms of cost and average daily cost, treatment FP-Kalfpap was the most economical with the lowest average feeding cost for the trial at R2423.74/calf. However, for income which is influenced by growth performance parameters (calf weight, dry matter intake), Kalfpap® and FP-Kalfpap emerged as the most cost-effective and showed the highest return. Based on these results, Kalfpap® and
FP-Kalfpap are recommended as the most cost-effective milk replacers.