Description
Automation of animal feeding in combination with milking robot and grazing – focus on automation of feeding; automatized filling of the feed mixer and automated distribution of the respective fodder to different groups of cows according to their respective rations; simultaneously remaining food is moved into position
Optimized feed submission and TMR mixing plus reduction of workload
The workload could be reduced as well as the costs for fodder distribution. The fodder ration is more uniform than after manual feeding. This is especially an ad-vantage if the farmer works with external staff. In the beginning there were some minor technical issues with the Bluetooth connection in the loading station of the feed mixer, which could be solved quickly.
Because of the automation of many processes that were usually in close contact with the cow (milking, feeding) it is vital checking the cows is still done by skilled personnel, to notice animal health issues in time.
Farm description
Environment
- Soil type: Mainly Marshland
- Climate: Temperate oceanic climate
- Average altitude: 2 m a.s.l. ; no slope
Grassland management
- Grazing : Rotational stocking on exclusively grazed area
- Exclusively mown grassland: 5 cuts per year
Structure
- Annual Work Unit: 2.3
- Agricultural Area: 166 ha UAA
- Main forage area: 100 ha; 30 ha permanent grassland and 70 ha temporary grass-land
- Breeds: Holstein Friesian and Fleckvieh
- Stocking rate:
- 1.8 LU/ ha agricultural area
- 3.1 LU/ha grassland area
Animal performance
- 9,800 l/year/dairy animal
Why it is working
The farmer prepared and planned the system carefully in close cooperation with an advisor. The farmer also has a technical friendly attitude.
