Improved Precision Calf Rearing by the use of networked Feeding and Monitoring Systems

The networking of electronic process control systems offers new possibilities for individual calf management. The different systems are implemented as automatic systems or robots in order to reduce labor. Within this paper, the experimental setup of the underlying investigation and first results of feeding data are presented. Thereby, intake amounts of water and dry matter in dependence of age are shown. The results ask for an individual adaptation of the milk-drinking program. All known authors either refer separately to drinking water, feed concentrate, forage intake or body weight, but, until now, there is no valuation of combining these data. Using computer-controlled interlinked feeding systems allow for economic advantages in many respects and provide a comprehensive decision-support system for the management.     «

The networking of electronic process control systems offers new possibilities for individual calf management. The different systems are implemented as automatic systems or robots in order to reduce labor. Within this paper, the experimental setup of the underlying investigation and first results of feeding data are presented. Thereby, intake amounts of water and dry matter in dependence of age are shown. The results ask for an individual adaptation of the milk-drinking program. All known aut...     »