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 9: Benefits and limitations of in-shed feeding systems | |
|---|---|
| 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 $70,000. Costs are as follows:
| Table 10. Approximate cost of feeding supplements through a meal feeding system. | |
|---|---|
| $/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 11: In-shed feeding system suppliers in New Zealand | ||
|---|---|---|
| Company | Website | Phone |
| Advanced Feed Solutions Ltd | www.advancedfeedsolutions.co.nz | 03 215 9437 |
| Central Silo Systems Ltd | www.centralsilosystems.co.nz | 06 358 5805 |
| Corohawk | www.corohawk.co.nz | 0800 763 555 |
| 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 |
