Feeding robot
A feeding robot , also feeding robot , is an institution in the cattle barn, which largely automated feeding the animals. In addition to a long time on the market concentrated feed stations first devices capable of various basic feed are as maize silage or grass silage to blend together and provide the animals.
technology
Most systems work with their own storage boxes, which have to be filled manually every few days. This can be done with silo block cutters or with grab shovels. The mostly computer-controlled facility creates the appropriate mixture based on the specifications, also called TMR . This mixing unit, which is similar in structure to a feed mixer, automatically moves along the feed table.
Procedural advantages
- It is advantageous to give small amounts of fresh feed throughout the day.
- The animal population can be divided into very small groups, which receive appropriate quantities of the components as required.
- Old buildings with narrow feeding tables can also be retrofitted with such feeding robots, and new buildings have more space for cubicles
- The employee is relieved of the task of measuring feed components for each mixture.
- Time management on the farm is more flexible
- Feed stacks rarely need to be approached or opened.
- Some conventional feeding systems require two tractors. There is potential for savings here.
- It is not necessary to add more feed due to the frequent feeding. All that remains is to remove the leftover food.
- The more filigree technology enables more precise dosing than with conventional methods, which can hardly avoid high fluctuations in the quantities.
Procedural disadvantages
- In the storerooms it comes to reheating and the increased formation of yeasts and molds.
- The investment costs are between 120,000 and 250,000 euros for herds of between 80 and 200 cows.
- Depending on the system, rails are mounted on the feed table, which make the use of conventional feed mixer wagons difficult or even impossible.
Web links
- Video of a feeding robot in action (Dutch subtitles)
- Video of a feeding robot in action
- various pictures of a feeding robot