SmartDairy^_™ Feeding

Balancing the diet of cows in various stages of lactation is critical for optimum milk production. If individual feeding of grain is used to balance the total ration of the cow, feeding grain to maintain or increase production can reduce overall feed and labor costs.

Feeding – In Parlor

Feeding grain in the parlor offers the opportunity to feed to the individual needs of the cow's milk production, stage of gestation and body condition score.

If all cows are fed the same amount of grain in the parlor, some cows will be overfed, which will increase feed costs. Overfeeding also leads to inefficient feed utilization. Some cows will also be underfed, which will not allow them to optimize their level of production and may also deplete body reserves to the point that it affects reproduction and general health.

Feeding – Out of Parlor

With computer-controlled concentrate feed stations in the freestall area, each cow is identified with its ISO RFID ear tag as it enters the feeding station. The correct amount of feed is dispensed based on the cow's predetermined ration calculated in the SmartDairy software.

User friendly setup of feeding parameters provides the ability to recalculate individual or group rations. Reports give dairymen the information needed to optimize their balanced feed programs.