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Calf drinking machinesDrinking machines for calves have become increasingly popular in recent years. It isn't just the major dairy businesses who are taking an interest in this, smaller farmers have also seen the advantages. The most significant reason for acquiring such machinery is the time saving.
Other benefits offered by calf drinking machines include:
- The quantity of milk the calf gets can be automatically controlled by inputting a drinking curve
- Administration of medicines to specified calves is automatically controlled
- Settings are available to provide several small portions for each calf each day
Benefits:
- Time savings
- Good growth
- Reduced stress on the calves
- Calves are fed several times a day with the correct quantity
- Milk temperature is always constant
- Mixing proportions are always accurate
- Automatic cleaning
- Administration of medicines is controlled automatically
Disadvantages:
- Less individual monitoring of the calves
- High initial investment
- Increased possibility of breakdowns
- Takes up space
| |   | Förster
|   | RiCon
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  | Urban
|   |   | | Holm en Laue |
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Why do drinking machines need to be kept so clean?Checking and cleaning of drinking machines is absolutely crucial.
It significantly reduces the likelihood of problems with the calves, and a well-maintained machine will last longer.
Important points to look out for:
- ensure that the outlet remains clean and unblocked
- replace hoses and nipples regularly
- make sure you have a good stock of cleaner
- calibrate the machine regularly
O film 1 you can see that the milk powder flow orifice is blocked.
This obstructs the proper flow of powder so that the calves receive less than they need. This can lead to serious problems.
Film 2 shows how the machine operates when the flow orifice is cleaned again: quite a difference! The flow of milk powder is correct and the concentration is in accordance with the set value. |
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Calibration by your Alpuro Breeding specialistAlpuro Breeding has the best interests of your livestock at heart, and we are regularly involved in the calibration of drinking machines, they aim being to prevent problems before they arise. Quantities, temperature and the mixture itself are all considered during this calibration. Your representative is familiar with all the options and settings for the calf drinker and will adjust these in accordance with the cattle breeders wishes.
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Comparison of drinking machines| Name | Manufacturer | | U 40 | Urban | | Calm drinkautomaten | Lely | | SA Compact | Förster Technik | | SA 2000 | Förster Technik | | SA Specialist | Förster Technik | | DeLaval Alpro cf300a | De Laval | | SAC H&L100 | Holm & Laue |
| Name | Milk powder stock | Quantity of milk made each time | | U 40 | ± 35 kg | 0,5 litres | | Calm drinkautomaten | | 0,5 litres | | SA Compact | ± 35 kg | 0,5 litres | | SA 2000 | ± 35-50 kg | 0,5 litres | | SA Specialist | ± 100 kg | 0,5 litres | | DeLaval Alpro cf300a | ± 40 kg | 0,5 litres | | SAC H&L100 | ± 50 kg | 0,5 litres |
| Name | Number of drinking boxes per machine | Number of animals per drinking box | | U 40 | 3 drinking boxes | 30 animals | | Calm drinkautomaten | 2 drinking boxes | 25 animals | | SA Compact | 2 drinking boxes | 20 animals | | SA 2000 | max. 4 drinking boxes | max. 25 animals | | SA Specialist | max. 4 drinking boxes | max. 35 animals | | DeLaval Alpro cf300a | 2 drinking boxes | 30 animals | | SAC H&L100 | max 4 drinking boxes | 25 animals |
| Name | Variations | | SA Specialist | calves can drink simultaneously | | SAC H&L100 | Specialties: many additional options (eg, liquid and powder medicine dosage) |
Consult the dealer for further details. |
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