Jeanne Wormuth has been at the forefront of raising dairy replacements for the last ten years. She and her husband began managing the Agway TSPF Heifer Farm in Elba, NY back in 1998. Today as CY Heifer Farm the operation carries on the technological and biosecure mindset that was fairly uncommon for contract heifer raisers back then.

A few years ago, CY Farms partnered with Provitello, a company based in Canada, to raise veal calves near the heifer facility. One of the technologies that they brought with them was computerized, automated, milk replacer feeding units. These were made in Europe where the system was developed. Calves are housed from birth through weaning in large groups. There have been a few applications of this concept in dairy calves, but the fear of rapidly spreading disease has kept the pen housing of baby calves a rare occurrence.

Faced with the ever increasing cost of cleaning and bedding individual, solid sided pens, CY decided to try the computer feeder for dairy heifers. This followed the successful conversion and use of a “baby” barn in 2007 for veal calves using a bedded pack and computerized feeders. The decision was made to further modify the barn and use it for dairy calves. In February 2008 the first group of newborn heifers filled the barn. Health and growth experience was satisfactory, at least as good as the old barn arrangement. By September all barns were converted.

According to Jeanne, today’s labor and bedding costs associated with these modified barns are down 50%. Straw from round bales is used at first with bulk shavings being added as needed afterwards. Health is very good. Calves appear relaxed with little vocalization. Signs of stress are few. Transition to the weaned barn is less problematic with fewer respiratory issues than ever before. The milk replacer unit records total intake and consumption patterns as well as individually programming feeding rates and concentration of milk replacer. Oral medications can be delivered by the feeder if desired. Weaning is more gradual and easier. Calves seem to suck on each other less. The use of community troughs for starter and water accustoms calves early to a centralized supply.

There are a few negatives to this system as Jeanne points out. Management skills have to be top notch. Despite the computer read outs which can easily identify an off calf, a good set of eyes is needed to pick out what the problem is or how the calf is responding to treatment. Each feeder costs close to $30,000, but is capable of supplying up to 240 calves via four nipples. A smaller, less expensive version is available. Twins and small calves tend to need special attention as they can be overwhelmed by more aggressive pen mates. Calves have been noticed to grow less if the bedded area drops below 15 to 16 sq. ft. per calf.

Considering today’s labor and bedding situation, larger dairy operators might find computerized feeders a viable option for milk fed calves.
Return to AgFocus Page