Automatic feeders are available for purchase. Each can automatically feed groups of up to 70 lambs at a time, dramatically reducing workload required for mixing and feeding lambs. However, a high level of management skill is still essential.
For lamb feeding, milk may be offered warm (39C/102F) on a restricted basis during the early training period. However, once suckling from the teat on an adlib basis, the milk temperature should be reduced to 18-20C/ 66-70F, to reduce the risk of health problems caused by over consumption. The machine should be cleaned daily and calibrated regularly.
Nutrition
Teat feeding stimulates salivation and the oesophageal groove reflex, which helps improve milk digestion. Young animals suckle on a ‘little and often’ basis, avoiding overloading of enzymes in the digestive system, and reducing the risk of digestive disorders.
On this system, young animals can realise their growth potential through improved performance compared to a restricted bucket feeding system.
Pointers for success
- Group animals by weight and age
- Ensure teats are placed at a natural height, with the outlet horizontal (see diagram below)
- Supervised introduction to teat is critical
- Inspect lambs individually each day
- Clean mix bowl every day
- Check machine calibration weekly
- Provide fresh dry feed and clean water at all times
- Place machine in a level and well drained location and keep teat lines as short as possible
- After each batch of ambs, clean auger, check tank for scale and sediment and sterilise teats and milk lines
Specification
- Capacity of machine: up to 70 lambs
- Capacity of hopper: 33kg
- Capacity of water tank: 25 litres
- Working capacity of mixing bowl: 2.0 litres
- Batch delivery of water: factory-calibrated to 0.5 litre per cycle (adjustable to 1.0 litre per cycle)
- Width: 690mm
- Depth: 650mm
- Height: 900mm
- Weight: 35kg
- Power requirements: 2500 Watts at 220/240v 50 HZ
Please phone us free on 00800 86522522, or contact your Volac Business Manager (Click here for details) for further information.