There are many different ways to present feed to cows in the robots. Systems can be configured for 1 feed or 2, or more. Robots allow a choice of feeding a pellet, meal, or liquid. When margins are tight, producers may want to reduce the cost of the robot feed. That won’t improve profits if too much production is lost. Choosing the right form of feed for your robots starts with why. What is the purpose of the robot feed?
There are many ways to answer that question. First, are you feeding to influence cow behavior, or are feeding to meet a nutrient requirement - probably both. Every farm is feeding in the robot to influence cow behavior. If not, all the feed could be provided in the bunk. Robot feed has to meet a nutrient requirement. Dry matter intake is limited so everything we put in the cow has to meet a nutrient requirement. At the same time, if forage quality is high, most of the energy and protein can be supplied by the PMR and pellets are fed to influence behavior. If forage quality is lower, robot feed may need to supplement forage nutrients. The role of the robot feed might determine the form of the robot feed.
PELLETED FEEDS
Robot pellets are the standard of the industry. Cows can eat up to 1 lb. of pellets per minute. Meal will take longer to eat. A quality pellet will stay pelleted through the system, so the nutrient content and palatability are the same for every bite. I recommend pellets at startup to provide a consistent experience for the cow and establish a benchmark for herd performance. That benchmark can be important for comparison if it becomes desirable to switch to a meal for cost or availability.
MEAL
Feeding a meal in the robot can be less expensive than a pellet. Pellet processing costs are avoided. Transportation may cost less, especially if the ingredients never leave the farm. Ingredients which don’t pellet well can be included in a meal. Cows will consume up to 2/3 lb per minute of meal, so it is important to adjust expectations for total consumption. Meal must have a consistent particle size so that it does not separate as it moves through the bin or the auger system. Meal may be dustier than pellet, requiring extra cleaning in the robot room.
LIQUID
Liquid feeds are usually combined with a pellet or a meal. The smell and palatability of liquid molasses may attract cows to the robot. On farm results are inconsistent. Liquid supplements containing propylene glycol are popular for preventing ketosis in fresh cows. Keep in mind that liquid feeds are dispensed proportionally to other feeds so the dose at one visit may be very small. Make sure that the pump for the liquid feed is suitable for the viscosity of the feed.
MULTIPLE FEEDS
Multiple robot feeds in combination may make it possible to precisely meet the nutrient requirements of individual cows. A base feed for the whole herd can be combined with a higher nutrient density supplement for top cows. Another option is one feed for early lactation and a less expensive feed in late lactation. Transitioning between feeds can be difficult. Remember that ration calculation controls the ratio of multiple feeds and dispenses them all at the same time. It is not possible to feed the entire allotment of one feed before dispensing the other.
I can work with your nutritionist to explore and optimize different forms of robot feed for your farm.
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