Automating calf feeding
AS FAMILY labour on dairy farms becomes scarce and the need for optimum productivity becomes more acute, so interest in computerised automatic calf feeders is growing.
Automatic feeding requires a high level of management including the discipline to clean and maintain equipment correctly. Time is also needed to keep a stockman”s eye on calves. But round-the-clock feeding and accurate control over quantity and quality are being recognised as key benefits of such systems.
Integral controls and software regulate the powder mixing process and milk replacer temperature. In the case of combination machines, the variable proportions of powder to fresh milk are also controlled this way.
The machines often allow use of feed curves to regulate calf intakes on a group or individual basis. And, in most cases, concentrate feeders can be connected to give a controlled transition from milk to solid feed as calves near weaning. As a further refinement, feed stalls with weigh scales can be added to accurately record weight gain.
Automated washing systems help keep feed preparation and delivery systems clean and hygienic, either up to the teat or including the teat in the case of the Lely Calm and Urban U20.
The Calm model has a pulsed air cleaning system that flushes through the teat after it has moved to vertical position above a drain bowl, while the U20″s teat retracts for cleaning. This also prevents dry sucking – as does the sliding cover on the Calm feeder.
While the U20 and DeLaval”s CF150 feeders have an integral feeding teat, the rest operate with one, two or up to four separate feed stations. The Urban U40 and H&L 100 feeders have draw-off taps so that milk can be fed to calves separately by bucket or multi-teat feeder. All machines can be equipped with liquid and/or powder applicators for additives or medicines.