What is feed calibration?
Feed calibration is the process of checking whether the amount of concentrate programmed in the system matches the amount actually dispensed by the equipment. In systems such as the Lely Astronaut robotic milking systems and Cosmix, feed is delivered by volume. Because the density of concentrate can vary from one delivery to the next, the actual weight dispensed may change even when the programmed setting stays the same.
That means a correct setting last month may no longer be correct after a new truckload of feed arrives.
Why is feed calibration important?
The main motivation for a cow to visit the milking robot is feed. When feed settings are accurate, each cow receives the intended portion. This supports consistent visit behavior and helps maintain the feeding strategy set in the Lely Horizon farm management system.
If feed portions are not calibrated correctly, two costly problems can occur:
- Underfeeding: cows receive less concentrate than intended, which can reduce motivation to visit the robot and may affect milk production.
- Overfeeding: cows receive more concentrate than intended, increasing feed costs and reducing ration accuracy.
In both cases, the farm pays the price either through lost milk, wasted concentrate, or less consistent cow traffic.
What happens if feed portions are not calibrated regularly?
If calibration is skipped or done incorrectly, the feeding system may no longer match the programmed ration. Even a small error can become significant over time.
For example, on a farm with 120 cows, where each cow consumes an average of 8.8 lbs. of concentrate per day, a 5% deviation in feed portions equals about 19,312 lbs. of concentrate per year. At an average concentrate cost of about $0.09/lb., that adds up to roughly $1,752 per year in unnecessary cost.
This example shows why regular calibration is not just a technical check. It is a practical step to protect both production results and farm profitability.
How often should feed calibration be done?
Lely recommends calibrating the feed portion for each feed type in the robots at least once a month and preferably after every new feed delivery.
This is important because concentrate density can vary with ingredients, moisture, and batch characteristics. A new delivery may look similar, but it may not flow or weigh the same as the previous load.
How can you quickly check whether feed settings are still accurate?
There are two common ways to check feed calibration:
1. Follow the full calibration procedure described in the Operator Manual.
2. Perform a quick practical check based on daily usage.
For example, if the system feeds 551 lbs./day and 11,023 lbs. is delivered, the feed bin should be empty in 20 days. If it is empty much sooner or much later, calibration should be checked.
How do you calibrate the feed portion?
The exact procedure should always follow the Operator Manual, but the general process includes preparation, measurement, adjustment, and close-up.
Preparation
1. Take the robot unit out of operation.
2. On the E-Link, select:
- Actions
- All actions
- Calibrate the feed portion
- At Exit gate, select Open
3. Open the service door.
4. Empty the feed bin.
How do you measure the feed portion?
These steps must be completed for all installed feed types.
1. On the E-Link, select the feed type.
2. Select Start dose.
3. Wait until the feed unit is finished.
4. Put a bucket on the scale.
5. Reset the scale to zero.
6. Remove the bucket.
7. Put the feed from the feed bin into the bucket.
8. Put the bucket with feed on the scale.
9. Record the weight.
10. Empty the bucket.
How do you adjust the feed portion?
These steps must also be completed for all installed feed types.
1. On the E-Link, under Enter quantity, select gram.
2. Enter the recorded value.
3. Select Save.
4. At Exit gate, select Closed.
What should you do after calibration?
After calibration is complete:
1. Put the robot unit back into operation using the E-Link.
2. Unblock cow traffic.
These final steps help return the system to normal operation safely and correctly.
Best practices for accurate feed calibration
To keep feed delivery accurate and consistent, follow these best practices:
- Calibrate each feed type separately.
- Recheck calibration after every new feed delivery.
- Use a reliable scale and reset it to zero before measuring.
- Record measured values carefully.
- Include both the milking robot and the Cosmix unit if both are in use.
- Treat calibration as a routine part of barn management, not a one-time setup task.
Frequently asked questions about feed calibration
Why does concentrate density matter?
The robot and Cosmix unit dispense concentrate by volume, not by weight. If density changes, the same volume may contain more or less feed than intended.
Can a small calibration error really affect profitability?
Yes. Even a 5% deviation can lead to substantial annual feed cost differences, especially on farms with many cows and daily concentrate use.
Should calibration be done only when there is a problem?
No. Calibration should be done proactively at least once a month and ideally after every new feed delivery.
Does feed calibration affect robot visit behavior?
Yes. Feed is a key reason cows visit the robot. If portions are incorrect, visit behavior can change, which may affect milking frequency and performance.
Feed calibration is a small routine with a large operational impact. Accurate feed portions help support cow motivation, protect milk production, improve ration precision, and control concentrate costs. By checking calibration regularly, dairy farmers can maintain reliable robot performance and make sure the feeding strategy in the system matches what cows actually receive.
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