What is a calf feeder
A calf feeder is a device that automatically mixes milk or milk powder and feeds it to calves at the correct temperature. Instead of filling buckets and feeding manually several times a day, the machine controls the quantity, temperature and number of feeding sessions per calf. Each calf wears an ear tag or collar with a transponder, so the machine knows which calf is drinking and how much milk that calf has already received that day.
The machine is primarily used on farms with group housing for calves, where multiple animals receive milk via one or more drinking stations. But it is also suitable for smaller farms that have group housing!
Advantages of automatic feeding
The main advantage is labour saving. Instead of carrying buckets around three or four times a day, the farmer only needs to fill and check the machine. In addition, a calf feeder offers a number of practical benefits:
- Calves can drink more frequently and in smaller portions, which more closely resembles natural drinking behaviour, stimulates feed/drink behaviour and is better for growth.
- The milk is prepared at the same temperature and correct concentration every time, which reduces digestive problems.
- Drinking speed and quantity per calf are recorded, so that abnormal behaviour is noticed early.
- There is less risk of errors when mixing milk powder, as this is done mechanically and consistently.
How a calf feeder works
Most machines work according to the same principle. Milk powder and warm water are mixed in the correct ratio into a homogeneous milk at the set temperature, usually around 45 degrees Celsius. The milk is then pumped via a pipe to the drinking station, where the calf drinks via a teat (drinking temperature 38-40 degrees Celsius).
The amount of milk per feeding session and the total number of litres per day are set per calf, often increasing according to a build-up schedule in the first weeks and decreasing towards weaning.
Cleaning and hygiene
Most machines periodically flush themselves with water, and some systems also clean with a cleaning agent at fixed times. This prevents milk residues from building up in the pipes and drinking station, which would otherwise provide a breeding ground for bacteria. Despite automatic cleaning, it remains necessary to replace the teat and hoses regularly (4 - 6 weeks)
Maintenance and common faults
A calf feeder runs throughout the year, so wear of parts is inevitable. The most common faults and maintenance points are:
- Leaking milk valve. If the valve no longer closes properly, milk continues to drip, dosing becomes inaccurate or it triggers a flushing error. In most cases, replacing the membrane or the complete milk valve revision kit is sufficient to resolve this.
- Non-functioning teaching pump. This is when manually activating the teaching pump is no longer possible. Replacement will then be necessary.
- Broken mixer motor. Often caused by the machine having a fault or by a short circuit. Replacing only the mixer motor is then sufficient.
- Non-functioning milk valve. This can occur when the complete valve is broken, however it is possible that only the solenoid coil is faulty.
It is advisable to visually inspect the hoses, teat and drinking station on a weekly basis. This prevents calves from receiving too little or too much milk due to a defective part.