Magellan flooring
Cutting down on digital dermatitis in contained dairy systems, as well as reducing ammonia emissions in housing, has seen new flooring options coming onto the market.
The Magellan flooring system (pictured above) is stocked by Teemore Engineering and consists of a series of channels that separate urine from animal faeces, helping to keep the cow’s feet dry.
The raised ridges are also grooved to give cows extra traction. The manufacturer claims that ammonia emissions have been reduced by as much as 40% using the product.
JFC calf feeder
JFC launched its automatic calf feeder last autumn. The Evolution 140 model has four feeding stations and feeds up to 140 calves.
JFC Evolution 140 calf feeder.
The central mixing hopper has two mixing bowls, each with capacity for 30kg of milk powder. Calves are identified using EID ear tags, which are programmed directly into the central unit and linked to smartphones.
Flow rate of milk is 1,300 to 1,500ml/minute. Costs for the central unit and four feed stations is currently €13,500 excl VAT. A smaller two-station unit is currently in development and expected to be available soon.
Easyfix Evolve feed barrier
Easyfix has developed a new feed barrier to improve cow comfort and increase forage intakes.
The Evolve feed barrier is constructed from a galvanised frame with curved, plastic head restraints.
Easyfix Evolve feed barrier.
The curved restraints allow cows to reach further for feed. Trials on farm indicate cows had an additional 12in of reach due to the shape of the barrier, with intakes increased by a third compared with conventional barriers on the farm. Head restraints are made from flexible plastic, which has been used successfully in cubicles. Feed space is typically 18in with barriers measuring 4.8m to 6m in length, although they can be made to order.
Rotary parlour
DairyMaster were one of very few exhibitors displaying milking parlours. Rotary parlours offer an alternative option for dairy farmers in larger herds, as operator efficiency can be improved.
Dairy Master rotary parlour.
The 50-point rotary parlour is recommended for herds greater than 300 cows. The parlour is fully automated and milks 300 cows in 90 minutes. Each rotation of the parlour takes 10 minutes.
Installation of the unit requires shed space to be at least 60ft wide to accommodate the parlour.
Flexible cow cubicles
Condon Engineering has launched its new cow cubicle system.
Flexible cow cubicles.
The dividing bars are made from flexible plastic and unlike the traditional cantilever cubicle which has rigid bars, the system works with four individual dividing bars.
This gives greater flexibility for cows entering and exiting cubicle spaces. Plastic bars are mounted to galvanised steel frames at the head of each cubicle. The new system also uses a plastic brisket bar.
Portable
handling unit
With heifer rearing carried out on outfarms, good handling facilities can limit routine weighing or dosing of dairy replacements.
Mobile handling unit.
TH Jenkinson had a mobile handling unit which can be constructed in 15 minutes and is compatible with mobile cattle crush units.
The handling unit is fully portable, fitting inside a transport frame which can be moved via three-point linkage or pallet forks.
Read more
Minister Creed holds talks with two of China’s largest dairy companies
Award-winning Monaghan dairy farm to open gates for farm walk
Magellan flooring
Cutting down on digital dermatitis in contained dairy systems, as well as reducing ammonia emissions in housing, has seen new flooring options coming onto the market.
The Magellan flooring system (pictured above) is stocked by Teemore Engineering and consists of a series of channels that separate urine from animal faeces, helping to keep the cow’s feet dry.
The raised ridges are also grooved to give cows extra traction. The manufacturer claims that ammonia emissions have been reduced by as much as 40% using the product.
JFC calf feeder
JFC launched its automatic calf feeder last autumn. The Evolution 140 model has four feeding stations and feeds up to 140 calves.
JFC Evolution 140 calf feeder.
The central mixing hopper has two mixing bowls, each with capacity for 30kg of milk powder. Calves are identified using EID ear tags, which are programmed directly into the central unit and linked to smartphones.
Flow rate of milk is 1,300 to 1,500ml/minute. Costs for the central unit and four feed stations is currently €13,500 excl VAT. A smaller two-station unit is currently in development and expected to be available soon.
Easyfix Evolve feed barrier
Easyfix has developed a new feed barrier to improve cow comfort and increase forage intakes.
The Evolve feed barrier is constructed from a galvanised frame with curved, plastic head restraints.
Easyfix Evolve feed barrier.
The curved restraints allow cows to reach further for feed. Trials on farm indicate cows had an additional 12in of reach due to the shape of the barrier, with intakes increased by a third compared with conventional barriers on the farm. Head restraints are made from flexible plastic, which has been used successfully in cubicles. Feed space is typically 18in with barriers measuring 4.8m to 6m in length, although they can be made to order.
Rotary parlour
DairyMaster were one of very few exhibitors displaying milking parlours. Rotary parlours offer an alternative option for dairy farmers in larger herds, as operator efficiency can be improved.
Dairy Master rotary parlour.
The 50-point rotary parlour is recommended for herds greater than 300 cows. The parlour is fully automated and milks 300 cows in 90 minutes. Each rotation of the parlour takes 10 minutes.
Installation of the unit requires shed space to be at least 60ft wide to accommodate the parlour.
Flexible cow cubicles
Condon Engineering has launched its new cow cubicle system.
Flexible cow cubicles.
The dividing bars are made from flexible plastic and unlike the traditional cantilever cubicle which has rigid bars, the system works with four individual dividing bars.
This gives greater flexibility for cows entering and exiting cubicle spaces. Plastic bars are mounted to galvanised steel frames at the head of each cubicle. The new system also uses a plastic brisket bar.
Portable
handling unit
With heifer rearing carried out on outfarms, good handling facilities can limit routine weighing or dosing of dairy replacements.
Mobile handling unit.
TH Jenkinson had a mobile handling unit which can be constructed in 15 minutes and is compatible with mobile cattle crush units.
The handling unit is fully portable, fitting inside a transport frame which can be moved via three-point linkage or pallet forks.
Read more
Minister Creed holds talks with two of China’s largest dairy companies
Award-winning Monaghan dairy farm to open gates for farm walk
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