Posted 11.4.23
This new Milk Bar feeder for ad-lib feeding systems. It is cleverly designed with two different teat heights and feeding mechanisms which ensure the speed of milk intake is controlled through the rearing phase, until weaning.
A controlled milk flow in high volume ad lib systems is critical to prevent nutritional diarrhoea.
Young calves start off on the feeder with new Milk Bar teats inserted at the lower level. Since these teats will initially be firm, calves will have to suckle hard, and this ensures that feeding is controlled. After 2-3 weeks, the teats will start to soften, and drinking speeds will start to increase.
When this happens, the same four teats are moved to the top row of holes in the feeder and connected to milk tubes. The bottom teat holes are sealed with blanking plugs.
Ad lib feeding can now start: the calves will feed using the same teats, but as effort is needed to suck milk up through the narrow tubes, this will control the speed of their milk intake, up until they are weaned.
After weaning, the worn teats need to be replaced with new Milk Bar teats, and the plugs and tubes washed, ready for the next batch of calves.
Designed for four calves, the Milk Bar Ad Lib 4 feeder comes with Milk Bar teats, blanking plugs, tubes, connectors and a lid.
To find out more, please click here.
