Creating Great Agricultural Spaces

Managing a dairy farm is a tremendous responsibility. Contrary to what animal rights activists would have the general public believe, farmers know the health and well-being of their cows are paramount. Studies show that happy cows also produce more milk, with something as simple as giving each cow a name and interacting with them as individuals netting nearly 500 more pints annually. A cow's nutritional needs should also be addressed individually and incorporating large animal automatic feeders can accomplish this. Here are three benefits to implementing this innovative system.

1.  You Can Tailor Each Cow's Nutritional Needs

Not only do cows have individual needs, but they also have seasonal needs. For example, when the weather is nice and cows can be put out to pasture to graze, their nutritional needs change. As the temperature decreases, their nutritional needs increase.

Additionally, most cows birth their calves in February. Farmers choose this artificial insemination schedule so that the calves are protected in late winter and can be weaned by mid-late summer. Pregnant and lactating cows require even more protein than usual. An automatic feeder has a sensor that will read the cow's ear tag when she enters the feeding box and supplies the right amounts of the right feeds.

2.  You Can Control How Much Feed A Cow Gets

Heifers are cows who have yet to produce their first calf. This means they are costing a farmer money until they give birth. The typical heifer cannot be bred until they are at least 12 months of age, but it is usually later. Gestation is nine months, so the average heifer is approximately two years old before she ever begins producing milk and calves rather than just consuming food.

From the time a calf is weaned until it reaches puberty and the required weight to breed, she must be fed an amount that allows her to consistently gain weight. Once impregnated, the amount of feed needed increases again.

Older cows must also be fed more. The farmer who has an automatic feeder can ensure his heifers and cows are getting the amount of food they need for these important stages of their lives.

3.  You Can Control Expenses

When you can control the type and amount of feed your cows get, you can better plan for and control your feed expenses. You can also analyze the data and determine if a particular feed results in better milk production or stronger calves, which means more money in your pocket.

For more information about large animal automatic feeders, contact an agricultural equipment and supply company.