Automatic Calf Feeder - Max length of milk line

[Nathan818]

Currently putting up a calf shed with 4 station Lely calf feeder. Wondering from anyone else what is the longest distance you have between milk mixing and feeding stations? Builders says 15ft but I would like to double it to 30ft. Thanks

 

[Samcowman]

Are you going to have a booster pump halfway. We have one and are at 15ft from machine to station in this shed. In our previous shed it was 22.5ft and managed fine. Only problem was the amount of cold milk in the lines which the odd calf won’t drink.
How deep is the shed going to be? Don’t need the pens too big. We started off at 30/ station ended up at 25 was better for getting all calves fed sensibly.

 

[Dougalhtid]

Currently putting up a calf shed with 4 station Lely calf feeder. Wondering from anyone else what is the longest distance you have between milk mixing and feeding stations? Builders says 15ft but I would like to double it to 30ft. Thanks

In winter cold milk be a problem

 

[Nathan818]

Are you going to have a booster pump halfway. We have one and are at 15ft from machine to station in this shed. In our previous shed it was 22.5ft and managed fine. Only problem was the amount of cold milk in the lines which the odd calf won’t drink.
How deep is the shed going to be? Don’t need the pens too big. We started off at 30/ station ended up at 25 was better for getting all calves fed sensibly.

6 pen shed, 15ft per pen. Only 4 pens on milk at any one time but 2 pens for calves post weaning as well. My idea was to try and put feed stations in all 6 pens and plug/unplug the milk and power lines from the mixing station depending on the which pens have calves on milk in them. Would reduce the need for moving calves between pens so much but isn't completely necessary if it's going to cause a problem with the feeder

 

[Horn&corn]

We duplicated the elec, water and drain in our shed so the feeder could be positioned nearest the youngest pen so they got the warmest milk. It allows us to rest a pen easier as well. Put it on a little trolly and it’s a one person job

 

[Case290]

what’s the thought on weaning I’ve had big trouble weaning of theses machines

 

[Scott Meredith]

Definitely worth considering an Urban feeder. I’ve got 2 of the older model u40 feeders and I’m looking into getting one of their newer Alma pro feeders. I’ve had several others over the years and I just don’t think Urban can be beaten on any aspect. They’ve got return lines so milk never sits cold at the teat, pumping 30ft wouldn’t be a problem for that machine

 

[bean]

Definitely worth considering an Urban feeder. I’ve got 2 of the older model u40 feeders and I’m looking into getting one of their newer Alma pro feeders. I’ve had several others over the years and I just don’t think Urban can be beaten on any aspect. They’ve got return lines so milk never sits cold at the teat, pumping 30ft wouldn’t be a problem for that machine

Hopefully it a good machine, just bought a new 4 station urbon feeder. Like the looks of it

 

[Case290]

Sounds good what feed plan will you go for on it

 

[Ducati899]

what’s the thought on weaning I’ve had big trouble weaning of theses machines

Mine seem to wean off no problem,start to wean them down from day 35

 

[Case290]

I was on 35 days including weaning but there 4-5 weeks old when they arrive