Automated feeding systems support overall herd health with consistent and precise feedings. This can be especially beneficial to transition cows during their critical stage of production.
Data-driven rations
A huge benefit of an automated feeding system is that it provides real-time data on feeding efficiency, including specific feed intake by group, feed height at the fence and loading accuracy.
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The mixing and feeding robot scans the feed height at the feed fence.
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The automated feeding system knows when it’s time for a new feeding.
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The system tracks ration costs and the impact of feeding on milk production.
This data allows farmers or nutritionists to make changes to the rations quickly. They can fine-tune a feed strategy before the next batch is delivered to the feed fence. This is helpful in transition pens where small changes can make a difference in the health and reproduction of the dry cows and pre-fresh heifers.
Animal health benefits
Farmers using automated feeding systems for transition cows often report improvements in the health of their herd with reduced cases of ketosis. Additionally, farmers have seen improved conception rates when they breed the cows again. However, the biggest improvement is often seen in lactation. When cows transition smoothly and start lactation without health problems, it has a positive impact on their whole reproductive cycle.
Right-size automation for every dairy
Automated feeding systems can work for almost all feed types, barn layouts and dairies of nearly any size. Even large dairies can benefit from implementing automation for specific cow groups. Additionally, automated feeding may not need to replace the entire feeding system to deliver value. It can be strategically implemented in dry cow, transition cow or heifer facilities where precision feeding can have a significant impact on health, performance and long-term productivity. By using automation where and when it drives the greatest return, even large dairies can enhance efficiency without overhauling their existing large-scale feeding operation.
Considerations for automated feeding systems
If you’re considering an automated feeding system, it is important not to design the system around your current feeding routine, but to consider what an ideal feeding and grouping strategy would look like. Ask yourself:
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What grouping structure would best support performance goals?
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How many transition stages would optimize herd health and milk production for your dairy?
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How could data help improve decision-making and production results?
Automation provides a more precise and performance-driven feeding strategy. The most successful systems are those designed around future goals and not existing feed routines. Talk to a local dealer or an owner to see how you could change your dairy with an automated feeding system.
Want to learn more?
Lely is dedicated to making farmers’ lives easier with innovative solutions for dairy farming. We offer cutting-edge robotic systems designed to enhance efficiency with milking, feeding or manure management. Learn more about Ideal Feeding in this webinar.
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