The current expansion of herd size on Irish dairy and beef farms is leading to increased pressure on labour. The most common reason for failing to meet specific farm targets when it comes to calf rearing is lack of time and resource. This can be dairy farmers trying to achieve earlier calving dates with their heifers, beef farmers wanting to grow calves faster to reduce days to in the calving unit or days in the rearing unit in the case of the specialist calf rearing unit.

Computerised calf feeders are easily programmed to effectively feed and monitor calves on an individual basis, allowing you to deliver a fully controlled calf rearing unit so that each one of your calves can achieve its full potential.

All calves can be fed as individuals according to a pre-set feeding curve designed to match the growth rate required for your system without the risk of digestive upset.

The latest computer feeders from Volac offer the opportunity to manager your calf rearing enterprise, both in terms of labour and costs.

The computerised feeder collects data on a daily basis for each individual calf which includes milk intake at each feed; the number of visits to the feeder, drinking speed and any changes in the calf’s drinking behaviour.

Warning lists are given for deviations from a calf’s normal feeding pattern, alerting the stockperson to potential problems.

This is a key management tool for the farmer as it helps identify any irregular behaviour patterns that often indicate the start of a calf’s ill health allowing the farmer take action before it reaches a serious level.

As weaning approaches, milk intake is gradually decreased encouraging more solid feed intake which will aid rumen development, this will improve calf performance around weaning and minimise any setbacks post weaning

There are many benefits to rearing calves on computer feeders, calves are allowed to roam in social groups with a little and often feeding system and of course the huge benefit of reduced demand on labour.