Lely has standardised the installation of the ‘Commodity feeder’ on the Lely Astronaut milking robot, which makes it possible to feed non-pelleted feed.
The company introduced the ‘Commodity feeder’ as an option two years ago and hundreds of robotic milkers currently utilise it worldwide.
The milking robot is the ideal place to supplement the PMR (Partial Mixed Ration) at the feeding fence with individual portions per cow.
Lely stated that the taste of this concentrate is an extra incentive for many cows to visit the milking robot. With the ‘Commodity feeder’, Lely now offers the standard solution to saving feed costs.
Optimal rations at a lower cost
By using loose raw materials – such as barley, oats, corn or a combination – instead of the relatively expensive compound feed, it is possible to feed more economically.
According to the company, this solution can result in considerable savings, especially for self-sufficient dairy farms. In addition, the farm is less dependent on feed processors and price fluctuations.
The operation of the system depends on the dry matter percentage, particle size, and stickiness of the feed type.
The ‘Commodity feeder’ is also available as an upgrade kit and can easily be mounted on already installed Lely Astronaut robots of the A5 and A4 types (in operation from July 2013). The upgrade kit is now available from the local Lely Centers.
About company
Lely, founded in 1948, claims to direct all its efforts towards creating a “sustainable, profitable and enjoyable future” in farming.
Circling the cow, the company develops premium robotics and data systems that increase animal welfare, flexibility, and production on the dairy farm.
Lely has been involved in automated milking systems to successive generations of dairy farmers worldwide for more than 25 years.
Headquartered in The Netherlands, the Lely Group is active in more than 45 countries and employs around 1,600 people.
