As the illustration shows, most UK-reared calves are still fed on very traditional systems.
Click on a system on the key below to find out more ....
Twice a day bucket feeding
Once a day bucket feeding
Automatic feeding
Cold ad-lib feeding
Computer controlled feeding
(Market research – Volac/Promar, 2001)
Twice a day Bucket Feeding
This is still the most popular feeding method used in the UK, and is favoured by many large scale calf rearers.
It takes 77 man hours to manage 40 calves through to weaning using this feeding system.
Feed volumes on many units have not altered in generations, for example: two litres a feed, twice a day, from two weeks to two months (it is important to note that this method always produces milk of limited quality).
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
Close control over volume fed, aiding cost effectiveness
Very good supervision of animals
Not dependent on external power or mechanical gadgets to operate
Can adapt to use waste milk or calf milk replacer very easily
| Highly labour intensive
Time dependent: ie calves must feed at the same time(s) each day
Calf growth limited
|
Time and costs of labour per calf to weaning
| Preparation | Measuring, mixing, setup, etc | 40 mins |
| Feeding | Buckets to and from calf | 20 mins |
| Clearing up | Washing up, etc | 30 mins |
| Other stock tasks | Water supply, starter feed | 25 mins |
Costing formula (Based on MAFF Data – Model 1977):
Dairy herdsman average (52.5 hour week) including craftsman rates = £19,500 per year. £7.15 per hour or 11.9p per minute. Costs = total mins/calf x 11.9p/min. (Source: J. Nix Farm Management Guide 2003)
Twice a day is a restricted feeding system, with greater scope for increasing milk feed intakes and liveweight gains than once a day. With appropriate feeds and feeding management this system can be adapted to achieve very high performance in situations where ad-lib feeding is neither possible nor practical.
If you would like to find out more about how to get higher performance from a twice a day system, get advice on improving the lifetime performance of your calves, or apply for a free copy of our Calf Management Guide, please phone us free on 0800 919808.
Once a day bucket feeding
Currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity, this has become the favoured method for some dairy farmers. The system retains many of the advantages of twice daily feeding, but involves significantly less labour.
It takes 47 man hours to manage 40 calves to weaning using this feeding system.
| Strengths | Weaknesses
|
Less labour – one less feed, less mixing and less washing up
‘Faster’ uptake of concentrate
Not dependent on external power or mechanical gadgets to operate
Can be offered via a teated or open bucket
Relatively easy task to delegate
| Significantly lower opportunity for observation and supervision
Time dependent - calves must be fed at same time each day
Calf growth limited
|
Time and costs of labour per calf to weaning
Preparation
| Measuring, mixing, setup, etc
| 20 mins
|
Feeding
| Buckets to and from calf
| 10 mins
|
Clearing up
| Washing up, etc
| 15 mins
|
Other stock tasks
| Water supply, starter feed
| 25 mins
|
Costing formula (Based on MAFF Data – Model 1977):
Dairy herdsman average (52.5 hour week) including craftsman rates = £19,500 per year. £7.15 per hour or 11.9p per minute. Costs = total mins/calf x 11.9p/min. (Source: J. Nix Farm Management Guide 2003).
Once a day is a restricted feeding system with very low labour input and is ideal for the farmer with lower growth rate requirements. The system requires a high level of stockmanship as calves are only seen drinking once every 24 hours.
If you would like to find out more about how to get higher performance from a once a day system, get advice on improving the lifetime performance of your calves, or apply for a free copy of our Calf Management Guide, please phone us free on 0800 919808.
Cold ad-lib feeding
This system is uncomplicated and basic, using just a teat and a container.
It takes 27 man hours to manage 40 calves to weaning using this feeding system.
Popular with units where all calves are under close scrutiny, success depends on supplying milk at a consistent strength and temperature. Mix and feed cold.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
Low cost equipment and setup
Lower labour costs in hrs/day
Freedom from specific feeding times
Flexible application: suits any application, adaptable to most group sizes
Not dependent on external power or water supply
Relatively easy task to delegate
Fast growth rates possible
Allows 24 hour milk consumption
Can use surplus/whole milk
| Reduced ‘compulsory’ supervision (demands high stockmanship skills)
Lower hygiene standard
Greater urine production increases bedding requirement
Higher calf milk replacer consumption than restricted systems
High quality acidified calf milk replacer essential for success
Concentrate intake limited at all stages
Can pose management problems in cold weather (<0ºC)
|
Time and costs of labour per calf to weaning
Preparation
| Measuring, mixing, setup, etc
| 15 mins
|
Feeding
| Buckets to and from calf | 5 mins
|
Clearing up
| Washing up, etc
| 5 mins
|
Other stock tasks
| Water supply, starter feed
| 15 mins
|
Costing formula (Based on MAFF Data – Model 1977):
Dairy herdsman average (52.5 hour week) including craftsman rates = £19,500 per year. £7.15 per hour or 11.9p per minute. Costs = total mins/calf x 11.9p/min. (Source: J. Nix Farm Management Guide 2003)
If you would like to find out more about how to get higher performance from an ad lib system, get advice on improving the lifetime performance of your calves, or apply for a free copy of our Calf Management Guide, please phone us free on 0800 919808.
Automatic feeding
This system can considerably reduce the time and labour needed to rear calves.
A high standard of supervision, observation and overall management is essential, as the opportunity to see calves is much lower than with more labour intensive systems.
It takes 13 man hours to manage 40 calves to weaning using this feeding system.
Strengths
| Weaknesses
|
Allows 24 hour milk access to maximise early calf growth potential
Low routine labour requirements
Fewer staff can manage larger stock numbers
Flexible and portable
Easily adaptable to a variety of types of accommodation
Works well all year round
High growth rates and improved feed conversion rates
Equipment costs can be dispersed via hire and
finance schemes
| Lack of a regular feeding routine can result in a lower level of supervision, as the opportunity to see every calf is reduced
Hygiene standards can slacken
Regular cleaning of the mix bowl and pipes essential
Training calves at entry requires time and patience
Weaning management skills must be good:
a) To allow maximum intake of starter feed while drinking ad-lib milk before weaning
b) To minimise stress and weight loss post-weaning
Unrestricted intakes will conflict with a strict cost control system - calf milk replacer consumption/calf can be 50% higher
Lower starter feed intakes due to ad-lib milk pre-weaning
Greater milk intake leads to increased urine production, particularly after feeding, demanding good drainage in the feeding area (a 10% slope around the drinking area is essential)
Careful attention to ventilation required -
see ‘Housing’ section
A reliable, up-to-date power supply with back
up is needed, along with a supply of clean
water under constant pressure
|
Time and costs of labour per calf to weaning
Preparation
| Measuring, mixing, setup, etc
| 0 mins
|
Feeding
| Buckets to and from calf
| 0 mins
|
Clearing up
| Washing up etc
| 5 mins
|
Other stock tasks
| Water supply, starter feed
| 15 mins
|
It is difficult to give a time allocation with this method, as little time is spent preparing and feeding, but allowance must be made for training incoming stock and general observation.
Costing formula (Based on MAFF Data – Model 1977):
Dairy herdsman average (52.5 hour week) including craftsman rates = £19,500 per year. £7.15 per hour or 11.9p per minute. Costs = total mins/calf x 11.9p/min. (Source: J. Nix Farm Management Guide 2003)
If you would like more information on getting the best from an Automatic feeding system, or details of our Feeder Hire Scheme, please phone us free on 0800 919808.
Computer controlled feeding
Offers all the strengths of previous systems with few of their weaknesses, hence the increasing interest among large scale dairy and beef rearers across Europe.
It takes 13 man hours to manage 40 calves to weaning using this feeding system.
Strengths
| Weaknesses
|
Offers the performance of ad-lib with the cost control of a restricted system
Very low routine labour requirement
Calves fed to their individual needs
Intakes monitored constantly
Highly successful graduated weaning with minimal set-backs
Self-cleaning
Compatible with surplus milk supplies
| High stockmanship standards essential
High capital costs
Good housing essential
|
Time and costs of labour per calf to weaning
Preparation
| Measuring, mixing, setup, etc
| 0 mins
|
Feeding
| Buckets to and from calf
| 0 mins
|
Clearing up
| Washing up, etc
| 0 mins
|
Other stock tasks
| Water supply, starter feed
| 20 mins
|
Costing formula (Based on MAFF Data – Model 1977):
Dairy herdsman average (52.5 hour week) including craftsman rates = £19,500 per year. £7.15 per hour or 11.9p per minute. Costs = total mins/calf x 11.9p/min. (Source: J. Nix Farm Management Guide 2003)
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Rearing for a reason
Choosing a system
Colostrum management
Tips on feeding whole or surplus milk
Housing
Weaning