In-shed feeding systems
A recent market research survey showed that 28% of New Zealand dairy farmers in Canterbury and the North Island have an in-shed feeding system. The key benefits and limitations of in-shed feeding systems are shown in Table 9.
Table 7: Benefits and limitations of in-shed feeding systems | |
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Benefits | Limitations |
High utilisation with energy dense feeds. | Milk returns can be variable depending on the payout and the milksolids response. |
More accurate dispersion of minerals to every cow. | At times it can be hard to source some concentrate feeds. (e.g. during a drought). |
With new meal feeding technology individual cows can be allocated feed depending on their milk production level. | Feeding concentrates in the shed can, depending on the feed cause unsettled milking (flies, cows not wanting to leave shed etc.). |
Minimal labour. It is relatively easy to adjust feeding rates and cows can normally be fed by simply pushing a button or pulling a cord. | Cows cannot be stood off pastures and it is impossible to feed large quantities of feed or forages through a meal feeding system. Feeding dry cows can be a hassle. |
Every cow has the opportunity to eat an equal amount of feed
|
Intake is limited to a maximum of 4-5kg/DM. |
Repairs and maintenance costs are typically very low. | Due to the price per unit of energy farmers need to achieve greater milk response rate per kgDM fed for concentrates when compared to forages. |
Cost of in-shed feeding systems
The approximate capital cost of a meal feeding system including a hammer mill for a 60-bale shed is $80,000. Costs are as follows:
Table 8. Approximate cost of feeding supplements through a meal feeding system. | |
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$/Year | |
Interest ($80,000 @ 6%) | $4,800 |
Depreciation (assume 20 year life) | $4000 |
Repairs and maintenance | $700 |
Power | $2,000 |
Total | $11,500 |
Cost per kgDM (assuming 200tDM/year ) |
5.75 c/kgDM
|
Suppliers of in-shed feeding systems
There are a large number of suppliers of in-shed feeding systems in New Zealand. The table below includes some suppliers, but there are many others.
Table 9: In-shed feeding system suppliers in New Zealand | ||
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Company | Website | Phone |
BusterCover Ltd | www.bustercoverfeedsystems.co.nz | 07 888 8992 |
Central Silo Systems Ltd | www.centralsilosystems.co.nz | 0800 333 379 |
Corohawk | www.corohawk.co.nz | 0800 763 555 |
Falcon Feed Systems | www.falconfeedsystems.co.nz | 0800 324 455 |
Permbrand SI Ltd | www.permbrand.co.nz | 03 347 3171 |
PPP Industries Ltd | www.pppindustries.co.nz | 0800 901 902 |
REL Group (Integrated Farming Solutions) | www.relgroup.co.nz | 03 302 7305 |
Sonoma Enterprises | www.sonomaenterprises.co.nz | 09 551 0959 |
Delaval | www.delaval.co.nz | 0800 222 228 |
Hampton Engineering Ltd | www.hamptonenge.co.nz | 0800 774 447 |
Landmore Agri Ltd | www.landmore.co.nz | 07 873 8900 |
Livestock Feed Systems | www.lfs.net.nz | 0800 901 902 |
Total Feed Solutions | www.totalfeedsolutions.co.nz | 06 376 8918 |