Livestock 2012: Automated cattle feeder promises a revolution
The first fully automated feeding system could revolutionise the way farmers feed cattle.
The Lely Vector, which costs between £95-105,000 plus VAT is the only system that knows what, where and when to feed.
The feed is stored in the feed kitchen; an open area without any obstacles. A feed grabber moves over the feed kitchen to select the feed, and load it in onto the mixing and feeding robot. The feed grabber scans the part of the feed storage area that has been designated for a specific feed and collects the feed from the highest point.
A concentrates dispenser monitors the feed quantities, which can be established and measured with the utmost accuracy. In addition, minor quantities of minerals and additives can be mixed with the concentrates. A user interface with touch screen is used to set up the feeding plan and the feed kitchen. It is also possible to programme rations and view a variety of reports.
The feed level sensor means the robot knows exactly how much feed there is at the feed gate and it determines when and where feed is required, without any intervention from the farmer. Because there is an ongoing supply of feed, it is not necessary to measure large doses, and therefore the feed at the feed fence is always fresh.
The Lely Vector saves money, labour, time and energy. It uses much less energy than many other feeding systems and is therefore less expensive to operate. Test farms have shown that labour savings are huge when feeding two or more different rations. The Lely Vector also saves dairy farmers a lot of hassle. Filling the feed kitchen is all that remains for them to do. Furthermore, thanks to the
The system enables cattle farmers to define and adjust their feeding strategy for different groups of animals. This results in improved animal health, improved feed efficiency resulting in optimal milk and beef production.
Livestock 2012
Find out more about Livestock 2012 including news on the show and details of other new products due to be