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Field observations of automated dairy calf feeding systems in the upper Midwest
Calf nutrition and management play significant roles in determining the success of calves in automated calf feeding systems (ACFS). There is considerable variation in ACFS design, operation, and outcome throughout the Upper Midwest Producers with greatest success with ACFS apply the following principles; excellent maternity and colostrum management, background calves in individual pens for at least four feedings, prevent calves from under or over-consuming milk, encourage starter grain and water intake, and maintain environmental quality including air, bedding, and equipment sanitation. Producers raising calves in ACFS are feeding greater amounts of pasteurized whole milk and milk replacer than in convention individual housing systems. Maintenance requirements for energy and protein appear to be greater in group vs individual systems. Backgrounding allows producers to make sure calves are consuming adequate amounts of milk and are provided with supplemental heat for the first few days during winter months before moving to the ACFS. Moving calves into ACFS pens when they are close to their next regularly scheduled meal will facilitate faster adaptation to the ACFS. Average birth body weight (BBW) of Holstein heifers averages 38.6 kg, so developing small and large calf feeding programs using average BBW to assign calves has some merit. An example feeding curve with whole milk or milk replacer mixed at 130 to 150 g/L; d 1 to 14 (6 L/d), d 15 to 40 (9 L /d), d 41 to 48 (5 L/d), and from d 49 to 56 (5 to 0 L/d). Set minimum meal size of 1.5 L to allow calves to feel satiated and minimize aberrant oral behaviors. Set maximum meal size of 3.0 L/meal, so the calf feels full but not an excessive volume to restrict starter intake. Calves typically average 2.5 to 4.5 meals/d. Start the weaning process early enough so that calves are completely weaned for 7 d prior to moving out of the nursery. Offer starter grain in troughs inside the calf pen with at least 20 cm of bunk space per calf. Calves will drink more water if it is clean and warm (37°C). Floor drainage and frequent bedding is absolutely critical to success in ACFS barns. Elevated moisture in bedding reduces air quality and insulating properties of bedding, increasing risk of respiratory disease. Add floor drains throughout the pen to capture and drain moisture. Groove concrete with a slope towards drains to increase moisture drainage.
Keywords:
Dairy calf, Automated calf feeder, group housing