I. Halachmi, A. Shabtay, A. Asher, R. Agmon, A. Orlov, M. Mazaribe, A. Zuabi and A. Brosh
Abstract:
The problem: The same feeding plan can be applied to all animals with individual differences rarely considered. On the contrary, individual intake-based feeding regime claims that if a calf has missed meals and therefore could not consume its daily milk allocation, it should be compensated.
Methods: The objective of this study was (1) to compare ‘age-based milk allocation’ with calf individual ‘intake-based milk allocation’ (milk amount depending on the actual consumption). The study achieved its objective through the following phases (2) to design a real-time algorithm, (3) to embed the algorithm in the feeder’s control software, (4) unique mechanical design capable of the computer-controlled feeder. One hundred and fifty male calves were fed. If a calf has not consumed its accumulated milk allocation from birth to date it receives an additional 1.5 liters (L) per day until it has consumed the entire planned amount.
Results: Daily weight gain was 691 g/day in the age-based group vs. 794 g/day (SE = 36) in the intake-bared group. The average body weights (BW) at weaning were 76 kg vs. 82 kg. The indicator of health 57% vs. 66%.
Keywords: Precision livestock farming, calves, computer controlled milk feeder, individual milk allocation, feeding behavior
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