Alan Barrow
Member
- Location
- North West
Automatic Calf Feeders
Studies have shown that larger calf groups (more than 18 calves per teat) have an increased risk of developing diseases such as scours and pneumonia, which is thought to be linked to an increased stocking density and competition in larger groups.
In addition to this, it has been demonstrated that due to increased competition at feeders, intakes are reduced and therefore growth rates are significantly reduced in those calves in larger group size. To avoid this, it’s recommended that group sizes should be kept to 8-10 calves per feeder.
Additionally, studies have found that calves introduced onto ACF under 12 days of age are 50% more likely to develop pneumonia. In summary, calf group size should be kept to 8-10 calves per feeder with a minimal age range, and in order to reduce the risk of calves developing pneumonia, calves should not be transitioned onto ACF until they are older than 12 days of age.
REFERENCES
AMTS webinar ‘Feeding calves in robotic systems.’ April 11, 2019. https://agmodelsystems.com/thenutritionist-2019-saito/ Hoards Dairyman webinar ‘Feeding calves as groupies’. June 8, 2015. https://hoards.com/article16035-feeding-calves-as-groupies.html
Studies have shown that larger calf groups (more than 18 calves per teat) have an increased risk of developing diseases such as scours and pneumonia, which is thought to be linked to an increased stocking density and competition in larger groups.
In addition to this, it has been demonstrated that due to increased competition at feeders, intakes are reduced and therefore growth rates are significantly reduced in those calves in larger group size. To avoid this, it’s recommended that group sizes should be kept to 8-10 calves per feeder.
Additionally, studies have found that calves introduced onto ACF under 12 days of age are 50% more likely to develop pneumonia. In summary, calf group size should be kept to 8-10 calves per feeder with a minimal age range, and in order to reduce the risk of calves developing pneumonia, calves should not be transitioned onto ACF until they are older than 12 days of age.
REFERENCES
AMTS webinar ‘Feeding calves in robotic systems.’ April 11, 2019. https://agmodelsystems.com/thenutritionist-2019-saito/ Hoards Dairyman webinar ‘Feeding calves as groupies’. June 8, 2015. https://hoards.com/article16035-feeding-calves-as-groupies.html