Transcription
THE CALF MANUAL FORMODERN AGRICULTUREwww.foerster-technik.com
PREFACEThe BoardThomas & Markus Förster22
DEAR READER OF OUR NEWCALF MANUALthe global market leader and trendsetterin this sector. We accord great value totraining and have a training ratio of over15 %. It's an investment in our future thatonly makes sense: the apprentices wetrain today will form our highly-qualifiedteams of tomorrow. It's similar with calfrearing: in just a few years, your calveswill be the most high-performing members of the herd; as such, we must regardall of the “next generation“ as highlyimportant.in this brochure we are pleased tointroduce proven as well as novel recommendations on successful calf rearing,oriented toward calf-rearing professionals. At Förster-Technik, we have dedicatedourselves entirely to this single subjectfor 45 years. While in initial years, the primary focus was on time-saving measures, as time went on, the focus shiftedto numerous innovations based on computer-monitoring of the animals. With the40FIT approach, the purpose of which isto lay the proper foundation within thefirst 40 days of life, we now place thefocus on the calf: its natural needs aswell as what it requires to remain strongand healthy throughout its life.We wish you much enjoyment in readingthis brochure and every success withyour calves.Sincerely,This brochure is composed of fivesections: Advantages of 40FIT, the firstfour hours after birth, the first 14 days,the next 40 days, and weaning. FörsterTechnik offers perfectly adapted products for each of these phases; to makeyour life easier and improve the lives ofyour calves. Please visit our website formore detailed information.Our company, with our 110 committed employees, develops and producesstate-of-the-art, modern systems for calfmanagement and feeding – making us3Thomas FörsterMarkus FörsterPS:Have comments or suggestions about thisbrochure? We'd love to hear from you byemail: 40fit@foerster-technik.de3
CONTENTS44
p. 6 -15Feeding in the early raising period greatly influences the yield profile of future milk cows. The first 40days of life are so important because that's when organs grow as a result of cell division. The foundationfor lifelong high-yield is laid in this early phase of life.COLOSTRUM. THE COUNTDOWN IS ON.A calf comes into the world defenseless, without an immune system sufficient to protect it from disease.The speed at which adequate antibodies are provided can thus be a matter of life or death. Every calfshould therefore be fed a sufficient quantity of high-quality colostrum within the first four hours of birth.INDIVIDUAL PENNING. DID YOU KNOW ?INTRODUCTIONSUCCESSFUL CALF REARING WITH 40FIT.p.16 - 25p. 26 - 33Calves are often individually-penned for the first 14 days or so. Feed utilization is excellent at this age,meaning that higher feed consumption enables a better start to life.GROUP PENS. WHO LIKES TO EAT OR BE ALONE?p.34- 47To raise healthy young animals and allow every calf to grow robustly, the automatic feeder feeds thecalves in groups via a feeding station. This allows the calves to learn proper social behavior naturallyand playfully. The feed is prepared fresh, warm and in small portions only after being requested, andis then administered.WEANING. HOW YOU'VE GROWN There are great differences in individual animal development in a young calf's life. These can be managedusing concentrate and weight-dependent weaning. The automatic feeder knows the daily portion foreach one of your calves and feeds them accordingly. The result is that stress-free weaning and transitionto solid feed is made possible without sacrificing growth.5p.48 -515
KOLOSTRUM. CALFSUCCESSFULDER COUNTDOWNREARING WITHL ÄUFT.40FIT66
The foundation is laid for the cellularcomposition of the organs in the prenatal period as well as in the first weeks oflife. Within the first 56 days of life, calvesshould double their birth weight (VANAMBURGH). Aside from growth rate,the time at which growth occurs is adecisive factor for later growth capacityand yield potential. FIEBIG et al. successfully demonstrated as early as 1985the different cell composition of theorgans and influence of rearing inten-Cell proliferationsity on organ growth. This and otherstudies (KOCH, STEINHÖFEL) showthat the maximum cell increase relativeto body mass occurs in the first approx.40 days of life. The foundation for optimal organ functioning for the rest of theCell proliferationcalf's life is therefore established duringthis critical early period. We thereforerefer to the totality of measures for optimal raising during this period under theumbrella term 40FIT Technology.40FIT40FIT – BECAUSE THE FIRST 40 DAYS ARE DECISIVE!Cell growthapprox. 40th day of lifeBirthIntensiveHigher qualityRestrictedLower quality77
SUCCESSFUL CALF REARING WITH 40FITFEED INTENSITYAFFECTS UDDERDEVELOPMENT.Udder development is based on thefoundation laid in early youth. Withregard to the structure of the udder,BROWN et al. investigated the influence of various feeding intensity in twogrowth phases. In phase 1, up to theeighth week of life, one group receiveda “moderate“ diet with dry matterintake of 1.1 % of body mass (BM). Asecond group received 2 % dry matter(DM) relative to BM.Comparison of udder structuresshowed an advantage of 75 % greaterudder weight and almost 3-timesgreater parenchymal ratio. Such uddersare capable of significantly greatermilk-synthesis performance. Afterweaning, improved udder structurescould not be achieved despite then8intensive feeding. The prenatal andearly postnatal nutrition level also influences the lifelong character of metabolic reactions in the body. The hormonal and enzyme concentrationtherefore adapts to potential lack withthe objective of offering the individuala greater survival advantage underthese conditions. If individuals that havebeen “programmed“ in this way areSTUDYRESULTFoldager et al., 1997 519 kgBar-Pedel et al., 1998 454 kgBallard et al., 2005 700 kgDavis Rincker et al., 2006 499 kgDrackley et al., 2007 835 kgChester-Johnes et al., 2009 998 kgSoberon et al., 2011 849 kgMike van Amburgh 1.285 kgAVERAGE 837 kg8exposed to sufficient nutrition or evenmore nutrition than necessary, theytend to exhibit metabolic disruptions,disease, fattening and reduced performance (KOCH and HAMMON, 2013,“Nutztierpraxis aktuell” 43/2012).Many other studies come to thesame conclusion regarding the longterm effects of nutrition level during therearing period on the future milk yieldof calves.
Feed quantity in LThe 40FIT feeding plan comprises aphase of controlled ad libitum feeding,followed by a weaning phase. The firstperiod corresponds to the first 35 daysand allows calves unlimited feed consumption, distributed throughout theday. Portion size control and blockedtimes between meal times protect theanimals from pathological over-eating.This ensures maximum exploitation of161412108642040FIT40FIT FEEDING PLAN –SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE,SUSTAINABLEgrowth potential in the crucial firstweeks of life. Weaning is then accomplished over 35 days by reducing theamount of feed from 12 to 2 liters perday. This prevents growth reductionsand promotes rumen development.The developmental advantages manifest for the animal's entire life, formingthe basis of improved vitality andenhanced milk yield.40FITPeriodWeaning phaseRestriction according to feed planUnlimited daily quantityMaximum quantity per consumption10203040Feeding days50607099
restrictive867.85.85.54.643.82013.-35. day of life36.-50. day of lifeFig. 1Because they reach fertility weightearlier, calves fed according to the40FIT plan have a better basis for highreproductive yields and longer productive life. With regard to illness, no consistent picture of illness frequencyarises from the literature. The advantage of shorter illness duration, however, was demonstrated consistentlyalong with less pronounced growthreductions in the calves fed accordingto 40FIT. If offered this amount, calveswill consume 10 and more liters of milkper day, starting from the first week oflife (Fig. 1). More than three feedings of1051.-70. day of life(First lactation)181690001412108intensive (40FIT)6restrictive4201335Days of life70Fig. 29090640FIT305-day-performance8500 126109500Milk [kg]/animal11.2Visits without feed entitlement20(Jurkewitz 2012)Feed consumption12Number of visits per animal and dayFeed consumption [L]/animal/daySUCCESSFUL CALF REARING WITH 40FIT8000782475007000RestrictiveFeeding group40FITFig. 340FIT calves are not confronted withthis situation until they transition intothe weaning phase, where reduced provision of energy and nutrients from milkcan be compensated by starting todigest concentrate and roughage.When calves are spared the negativeexperience of not receiving milk at theteat and can decide independentlywhen and how much to feed, they feedmore slowly. As a result, saliva is moreeffectively mixed with the milk, improving digestion, and the sucking reflexdissipates by the end of feeding. Consequently, animals sucking and lickingage-appropriate portions at an optimalfeed temperature are required. Thisensures optimal daily weight gain of800 - 1,000 g per day.The feeding behavior of calves fedaccording to 40FIT differs significantlyfrom that of pen companions fedrestrictively. Demonstrated by JURKEWITZ as well as other authors (Hill,Hammon), restrictively-fed calves visitautomatic feeders significantly moreoften, even though they are not permitted to feed (Fig. 2). This is the result ofthe hunger they are suffering from. The10the pen area hardly occurs at all.B. Broghammer demonstrated thatin the 305-day production of the firstlactation, calves fed according to 40FITexhibit a significant advantage of over1,200 kg of milk compared to their pencompanions fed rationed feed amounts(Fig. 3).One of the reasons commonly citedfor restrictive calf feeding in the firstweeks of life and early weaning off milkrelates to development of the rumensystem. It was long accepted that
Since the microbial proliferation inthe rumens, development of intestinalflora and formation of important digestive enzymes have not yet occurred, thecalf must necessarily obtain sufficientsupplies of energy and protein frommilk or milk replacer. Plant proteins arenot nutritionally effective and any quantities of concentrate and roughage consumed can make virtually no contribution to the organism's energy supply.Comparative experiments at differentfeeding levels (KUNZ, STEINHÖFEL,HAMMON, etc.) demonstrate that concentrate intake of restrictively-fedcalves begins approx. 10 days earlierthan with ad libitum feeding. Yet nomeasurable benefit for the nutrition ofcalves aged two to four weeks can bederived from this, since they cannot yetproductively digest plant proteins. Thefeed intake of intensively or ad libitumfed calves does not reach the level ofthose on restrictive feeding regimesuntil the 60th to 70th day of life. As aresult of better cell composition of thedigestive organs, these animals digestthe feed better.40FITConcentrate consumption1,51,2kg/dayrestrictively-fed calves start to consumeand digest concentrate earlier, therebymore rapidly developing into betterruminants.restrictivead libitum0,90,60,3Water supply is a critical factor forproper rumen development. Asdemonstrated by KERTZ and NOCI, therumen villi density falls rapidly withinsufficient water consumption, sincesolid feed intake is reduced by up to60 % when insufficient water is offered.Aside from offering liquid and solidfeed, calves should therefore also beoffered fresh drinking water at all timesin a pail or bowl. Sufficient water intakeshould not occur via a teat.0,011123456Age in weeks789(Hammon, Schiessler,Nussbaum, Blumen et al., 2002)11
SUCCESSFUL CALF REARING WITH 40FITTIP: High dry matter intake (more than 1.1 kg/animal per day) in the feedhelps to avoid stress and promotes regulatory mechanisms related toenvironmental adaptation and overcoming illnesses. Calves fed according to the 40FIT feeding plan have a better foundation for good adolescent growth, fertility and high milk productivity,as well as health and vitality. Consequently, longer productive life andbetter life yield and effectiveness can be expected. Intensive or ad libitum feeding promotes good rumen developmentand high feed absorption. Feeding in the early feeding period should be oriented to attain dailyweight gain of 800 -1,000 g. For this purpose, whole milk (with or without supplements) or high-quality milk replacer in sufficiently high concentration (at least 12.5 % DM) and quantity is suitable. Plant proteinscannot be digested by calves in the first two weeks of life and shouldtherefore be avoided during this time. Fresh drinking water must also be available at all times, in addition tothe feed. Offering concentrate for free intake is recommended no later thanthe second week of life. From the fifth to sixth week of life and intakefrom approx. 400 g per animal per day, concentrate and roughageintake make a decisive contribution to nutrition. Compensatory growth in later adolescent development, from weaning to fertility, results in lower cell composition of organs and a tendency to store larger amounts of fat and water.1212
WHAT DOES THE 40FIT TECHNOLOGY OFFER?The colostrum management systemthat enables you to provide your calveswith high-quality colostrum immediatelyafter birth.During low winter temperatures, yourcalves need a lot more energy to keeptheir thermoregulation and immune systems up. Temperature-controlled feeding ensures that these increaseddemands are met. A temperature sensorin the antenna allows the feed quantityand concentration to be automaticallyadjusted to higher energy requirements.CalfRail 2.0Calves are often individually-penned for the first days of life. Frequentfeeding is especially crucial in thisperiod. With manual and mechanizedbucket feeding, individualized feedingof calves in individual pens is not feasible for cost reasons.40FITThe 40FIT Plan is an innovative feeding plan. During the 40FIT period, thecalf is provided with the physiologicallyoptimal feed quantity as desired. Thesubsequent weaning phase is controllable based on age, solid feed intake orweight gain. In cooperation with a 40FITconsultant, you can adjust the standard,pre-configured 40FIT Plan software individually based on your feeding strategy.This plan is then transferred to the automatic calf feeder, which ensures reliableand precise feeding.With CalfRail, individually-pennedcalves can be automatically fed animalby animal, in small, freshly preparedservings up to eight times a day. This12101614121086420Feed quantityColostroFIT –A strong startTemperature-controlledfeedingThe 40FIT-PlanFeed quantity in LInnovative products and conceptsthat optimally support the growth ofyour calves from birth, that can also beused in existing calf feeders. This creates the perfect conditions for healthy,high-yielding, long-living cows andmore efficient dairy farming.40FITPeriodUnlimited daily quantityMaximum quantity perconsumption102030Weaning phaseRestriction accordingto feed plan40506086Temperaturecontrolled feeding4Standard plan2070Feeding days1020304050607080Feeding days1313
SUCCESSFUL CALF REARING WITH 40FITsets the stage for wellbeing and health,optimal feed utilization, optimal ruminant growth and sustained output.Animal monitoring and care can beflexibly integrated into the workflow.The calf feeder delivers the informationrequired, such as e.g. feed consumptionand feeding speed, at the push of abutton.14Animal-specific weaningin the feeding station. The automaticfeeder knows the daily portion for eachone of your calves and gives them everything they need. After all, every animal is different.There are great differences in individual animal development among youngcalves. These can be managed usingconcentrate-dependent weaning via anautomatic concentrate feeder orweight-dependent via an animale scale14Success togetherThe 40FIT Technology succeedsmost dramatically only when technology and feed are optimally coordinated. Förster-Technik cooperates withleading producers of milk replacer andconsulting services in order to offer farmers a harmonized feeding system. Thisenables the first weeks of life to providethe optimal start for future high-yieldcows.
40FIT AT THE EG ZODELAGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVEAssistant Facility Manager:Yvonne GüntherLOCATION, STATE:Neißeaue / SaxonyFARMING TYPEAnimal production(dairy cattle breeding)Plant productionANIMAL BREEDHolsteinNUMBER OF DAIRY COWS360NUMBER OF CALVES PER YEARapprox. 350CALF FEEDING EQUIPMENT“After 25 years it was time to replacethe calf feeder line. Previously the igloocalves had been bucket-fed with wholemilk three times a day. Changing thefeeding regime over to powder and introducing the new devices eliminated alot of manual work. The best thing,though, is that the calves now get milkat a consistent temperature in the winter. The 40FIT program enables us toraise calves applying the latest scientificinsights. With the new feeding regime,we were able to achieve optimal weightgain of 800 - 1,000 g in the first 100days of life.”40FITFARM PROFILEDipl.-Ing. agr. Kai-Uwe Eisenhut(management board member)One automatic feederfor one CalfRail unitOne automatic feeder incl. 4 pumpunits for 4 calf groups40FIT EMPLOYEDsince 20131515
COLOSTRUM. THE COUNTDOWN IS ON.
COLOSTRUM MANAGEMENTWITH COLOSTROFITThe calf comes to the worlddefenseless.PaDifferent from other mammals, calvesare born without any immunity at all.Activation of the immune system thatproduces the antibodies necessary tofight disease takes several weeks. Tobridge immunization gaps during thisperiod, the calf must take in antibodiesfrom colostrum.Colostrum antibodyconcentrationWhen milk begins to flow followingbirth, the udder releases the antibodies.The antibody concentration in the milkfalls rapidly and after 24 hours is equivalent to only 25 % of the initial level. It'stherefore crucial to milk out the first milkwithin the first four hours of birth. Maximum cleanliness is required to ensurethe calf is exposed to the lowest possible pathogen levels in the colostrum.veimmuni tOnly after a certain timethe own antibodies areslowly produced.yAge indays071421283542495663707784%100Calves are only able to absorb theantibodies through the intestinal wall inthe first hours after birth. As such, colostrum administration should ideallyoccur immediately after birth, and notlater than within four hours. Any delayprolongs the period without immuneprotection while increasing pathogenexposure. The sooner the colostrum isadministered, the better and morelong-lasting is the passive immunization.The antibody concentration in the colostrum drops rapidly.7550Time aftercalvingin hours25024681012141618202224The ability to absorb antibodies via theintestine gets quickly lost.Time aftercalvingin hours01724681012141618202224COLOSTRUMThe immune systems ofcalves after births siActive immunity
COLOSTRUM. THE COUNTDOWN IS ON.ALWAYS CONSIDERCOLOSTRUM QUALIT Y.Pasteurizing the colostrum is anothereffective means for improving its quality.Thanks to the killing of the germs in thecolostrum, the antibodies pass betterthrough the intestinal wall into the blood.Due to the separation of colostrum ofpoor quality and, in particular, the pasteurization, which lasts for some time (seepage 20), it can no longer be workedmother-bound, i.e the newborn calfreceives high-quality, pasteurized colostrum from a previous calving. The colostrum, however, comes from the samebarn, so that the necessary antibodiesare contained against the pathogenspresent there. Thus, the advantages foran optimal start into life outweigh tomother-bound colostrum administration.2520Transfer ofimmunoglobulins(24h after first colostrum feeding)100 %79 %105018raw15pasteurizedAside from the absolute antibodycontent, the transfer into blood andlocal effects in the digestive tract is keyto successful immunization. The time ofadministration as well as the pathogenlevel have a decisive influence on theantibody transfer rate. As such, cleanliness and hygiene must be strictlyobserved in preparing for birth andThe most important measure isthe timely supply of sufficientcolostrum in high qualitypostnatal care, as well as in obtainingthe colostrum.mg Ig/ml serumThe immunoglobulin (Ig) content ofcolostrum varies greatly. To correctlyestimate the quality, a quality controlprocedure using a colostrometer (spindle) or refractometer is indispensable.For sufficient antibody supply, the calfshould absorb approx. 250 g of immunoglobulin. Accordingly, depending onthe quality of the available colostrum,each calf should be administered threeto four liters of colostrum.TIP:(M. Göbel, 2016)
MONITOR EFFECTIVENESSAND HANDLING.With relatively little effort, soundcolostrum management improves calf wellbeing r educes the frequency of illness andloss rate reduces the use of medications andtherapy costs increases yield improves vitality, fertility, productivity and productive life of the cows.19TIP: Criteria for good colostrum:obtained in the first hourfollowing birth, or up to fourhours afterwards Low pathogen count 100,000 KbE/ml and 10,000 KbE/ml coliform Must not be obtained frominfected udders or cows onantibiotics. Should contain more than55 g lg/l of colostrum.COLOSTRUMTo monitor the absorption status, itis recommended to take blood serumsamples from 10 to 20 % of the calves,however no less than 6 to 8 animals, tomeasure their immunoglobulin or protein content. 80 % of measured animalsshould have a serum protein content ofmore than 54 g/l of blood serum and animmunoglobulin content of 10 g/l.Lower values indicate insufficient passive immunization and increased risk ofillness.
COLOSTRUM. THE COUNTDOWN IS ON.EASY. RELIABLE. PASTEURIZEDThe colostrum is milked directlyafter birth, checked for antibody content and then placed into the single-use, aluminum bags known asColostroBAGs – ensuring optimalhygiene with minimal effort.Germs from the environment cancause diseases and thus cause economic losses. Especially when they arecontained in the colostrum, they hinderthe transfer of the antibodies into theblood.In light of this, pasteurization is a keyaspect of the ColostroFIT system, whichsignificantly reduces pathogen load andimproves the antibody blood transferrate by 15 %. With the ColostroMATpasteurizer, one or two ColostroBAGscontaining 3.8 liters of colostrum eachare pasteurized in a water bath for 60minutes at 60 C. The pasteurized colostrum can be stored in the ColostroBAGsin the refrigerator for five days or up tosix months if frozen. This allows you tocreate a “colostrum bank” to ensurethat every calf rapidly receives a portionof pasteurized colostrum.COLOSTROFITThe ColostroMAT also automaticallythaws and warms the colostrum to thecorrect feed temperature.The colostrum can then be administered to the calf by a teat or drenchhose, if necessary. The handy caddywith backpack belt allows you to haveboth hands available to care for thecalves. The extended teat hose with arapid closure enhances practicality. g ives you the tools you needfor colostrum testing, pasteurization, storage and administration. g ives you a clear sequence oftasks. is simple to use. is rapid. i s hygienic.Single-usealuminum bag for maximumhygiene i s biologically ensured bypasteurization. i s economical due to thereduced risk of illness, lowerveterinarian costs and improved milk production over thelong-term.20
COLOSTRUM
COLOSTRUM. THE COUNTDOWN IS ON.
COLOSTRUMTHE COLOSTROFITPRODUCT Compact pasteurizer for gentlewarming and pasteurizing of colostrumin the special, aluminum ColostroBAGs.With four control keys and automaticprocess control for all aspects of pasteurization, cooling, warming and cleaning, the colostrum management systemenables you to achieve better resultswith less effort.This aluminum bag with a capacityof 3.8 l is ideal for safe pasteurization, aswell as proper storage and administration of colostrum. The aluminum facilitates rapid warming and pasteurization.For feeding convenience, a teat ordrench attachment can be quickly andeasily screwed onto the ColostroBAG.Contains all of the necessary consumable materials to simply and gentlyfill, pasteurize, store and thaw the colostrum and to safely administer it to thecalf. The kit includes aluminum bags,teats, teat holders and drench attachments.Caddy – this transportation aid ishandy and indispensable; the backpackstrap means both hands are available forcalf care. The extended teat hose with arapid closure enhances practicality.BagFiller – handy and effective toolfor convenient filling of ColostroBags.23
COLOSTRUM. THE COUNTDOWN IS ON.COLOSTROFIT IN USEBY THE HEIM FAMILY.“To give all of our calves a perfectstart to life and to give us clearly-defined work sequences, we decided topurchase a ColostroMAT. It allows us topasteurize the colostrum and create areserve bank of high-quality colostrum.As the birthing process begins, westart up the ColostroMAT and warm thecolostrum. We can now feed colostrumto the calves immediately after birthand are so pleased with our healthyanimals, who start their lives with a lot ofenergy and strength”.FARM PROFILEFarm Manager:Pascal HeimLOCATION, STATECanton Solothurn, SwitzerlandFARMING TYPEAnimal production(dairy cattle breeding)ANIMAL BREEDRed Holstein and HolsteinNUMBER OF DAIRY COWS90NUMBER OF CALVES PER YEARPascal Heim100CALF FEEDING EQUIPMENTColostroMATIn use since: 201524
MILKINGCOOLING/FREEZINGMilk up to 8 liters of colostrumno later than four hours afterbirthing.Store at 4 C, use within five days.Freeze at -15 C, use within sixmonths.QUALITY TESTINGTHAWING/WARMINGTest the antibody concentrationwith a spindle or refractometer.The content should be more than55 g lg/l of colostrum.Thaw in the water bath andwarm to feed temperature(39 C).BAG FILLINGFEEDINGFill and label without delay andcontamination.Four liters in the first hour.PASTEURIZATIONPasteurize the colostrum in theColostroBAG at 60 C for 60 min inthe ColostroMAT.COLOSTRUMPRACTICAL TIPSEFFECTIVENESS TESTINGTake blood sample and test it.80 % of the animals should havean immunoglobulin (Ig) contentof 10 g/l.25
INDIVIDUAL PENNING. DID YOU KNOW ?CALVES ARE USUALLY KEPT IN INDIVIDUALPENS DURING THEIR FIRST T WO WEEKS.Many farms keep their calves inindividual pens mainly in their first twoweeks. This form of penning is suitableto give the newborn calves the restand attention they need at this time.Igloos, individual pens and huts areused for penning; they can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected beforeeach new occupant moves in.matic feeders. Some time must passbefore the calves are big and strongenough to hold their own against theothers. To ensure that calves have sufficient energy available for healthygrowth, it is important to feed them atSmaller farms often cannot formhomogeneous calf groups for auto-least three times daily. Depending onspecific farm conditions, whole milk ormilk replacer feed can be administered.It is recommended to distribute themilk feed warm and freshly mixed inmultiple portions throughout the day.The optimal feed temperature is 39 C.For optimal calf feeding, i.e. frequently throughout the day, with precise feed temperature and concentration Förster-Technik offers mechanizedas well as (fully) automatic solutions.2626
MilchMobil 4x4Feeding by hand is not only time-intensive, it also takes a lot of work andenergy. Moreover, milk transportedover long distances in buckets rapidlycools off, especially in winter, and oftenarrives at the calf at a temperature thatis too low.INDIVIDUAL PENNINGTechnical aids, such as MilchMobil4x4, make it possible prepare feed simply and transport it quickly and conveniently to the calves. The calves can bemonitored and observed during thedaily feedings. Simple and intuitiveoperation makes the entire processmuch easier.However, the amount of manualeffort required to mix the feed, carryout the feeding process and clean allthe equipment should not be underestimated.27
INDIVIDUAL PENNING. DID YOU KNOW ?MECHANIZED FEEDING FORINDIVIDUAL PENNINGMilchMobil 4x4The new MilchMobil 4x4 from FörsterTechnik makes it easier for you to mix,warm, transport and dispense the feed– and save a considerable amount oftime.Cyclone cleaningAn integrated, rotating tank cleaning nozzle conveniently cleans the tankin a few easy steps at the push of a button, so MilchMobil 4x4 is ready to goagain in no time.It is available as a Combi model witha capacity of 120 and 200 liters andincludes mixer, heater, tank cleaningfunction, user-friendly control unit, portion control, drive system and LED lampas standard.Pendulum axle and steeringThe four wheels of the MilchMobil4x4 ensure optimal driving stabilityand, thanks to the pendulum axle,sufficient ground contact can beensured, even on uneven terrain. Thecore of the new steering system is thespecially developed axle steeringsystem. Thanks to this, the MilchMobil 4x4 always follows the farmer andmakes driving child's play.Horizontal tank with water bathThe horizontal tank affords ergonomic filling. Four wheels and a lowcenter of gravity make MilchMobil 4x4highly stable in motion. A heated waterbath gently warms the milk and storeswarmth as well so calves get the feed atthe right temperature.2828
MILCHMOBIL – DEPLOYEDBY THE HÄRLE FAMILYFARM PROFILEFarm Manager:Monika HärleLOCATION, STATEOstrach / Baden-Württemberg“We are very satisfied with our MilchMobil – it saves us a lot of time andeffort.”Monika Härle, OstrachFARMING TYPEAnimal production(dairy cattle breeding)Plant productionEINZELHALTUNGANIMAL BREEDHolsteinNUMBER OF DAIRY COWS250NUMBER OF CALVES PER YEAR240CALF FEEDING EQUIPMENTMilchMobilColostroMAT in usesince 20142929
INDIVIDUAL PENNING. DID YOU KNOW ?AUTOMATED
email: 40fit@foerster-technik.de. 4 4 5 CONTENTS. 5 5 SUCCESSFUL CALF REARING WITH 40FIT. Feeding in the early raising period greatly influences the yield profile of future milk cows. The first 40 days of life are so important because that's when organs grow as a result of cell division. The foundation
