Automated calf feeders are increasing in popularity with progressive dairy farmers who want to raise top-notch heifers by offering several benefits over manual feeding.
We are aware of the importance of that first milking colostrum in providing immune globulins (Ig) or antibodies as a source of protection from disease for the newborn calf. Feeding four quarts of clean colostrum with a low bacteria count as soon as possible after birth is the key to success. However, have we missed other benefits from feeding colostrum and the “transition” milk from the first to sixth milkings to calves during their first few days of life? Read more …
Alyssa Dietrich graduated from Penn State University in 2013 with a B. S. degree in Animal Sciences. During the summer of of 2013 she interned with Elanco Animal Health. She obtained an M.S. degree in Dairy Science at Virginia Tech and was part of a joint study with Dr. Whitney Knauer on the management of automatic calf feeders. Read more …
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While there are claims of saving in labor with the autofeeder system, the Hammocks wanted to develop a system which provided an environment which allowed more time for management of calves by reducing the demands of some of the more labor-intensive chores of feeding, cleaning, and treatment of calves. Read more…
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Their initial experience with one feeder in a retrofitted facility convinced the Hammock’s to make the investment in a new facility designed for use of the Foerster Technik autofeeders. They visited other farms and obtained information from multiple sources including their dealer. Read more…
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Hammock Dairy is a family business owned and operated by several generations of the Hammock family and is located in southern Virginia. This blog post will feature a discussion with Paul about their dairy business and how they explored the use of the autofeeder system. Read more…
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Successful calf rearing is a contemporary issue all over the world. Everybody should know that healthy calves are the future of dairy farms. But how important is professional calf rearing for US farmers? How important is it for the Europeans? For the Germans? Do we have similarities? What is different? What can we learn from each other? Have a look at a highly interesting discussion with my German counterpart, blogger and veterinarian Dr. Peter Zieger…
“If you aren’t using the 40-Fit option on you autofeeder, both you and your calves may be missing out!” Read more…
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Hi, I’m Dr. Bob James… welcome back. As we kick off the calf blog, I want to let you know a bit about the content and what format we will use over the next year. Read more…
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Group housing systems for calves are gaining rapid acceptance supported by research and experiences of successful dairy producers. However, success is dependent upon some serious advance planning and knowledge of the essentials for achieving success. Read more…