Dairy Campus is a unique research site intended to be used by people with a connection to the dairy industry. With a combination of 550 dairy cows, around 300 hectares of land and multiple conference facilities, the campus is a source of inspiration for companies, educational institutions and research centres in the dairy sector. In the coming years, this so-called Silicon Valley for the dairy sector will serve as a hub for collating information and knowledge which can then be used to foster innovation. The long-term aim is to be able to produce healthy, safe milk while respecting humans, animals and the environment alike.
Nutrition research is one of the key pillars at Dairy Campus. The relation between nutrition, health and upbringing can be influenced significantly by livestock farmers. This is why it is important to gather as much data as possible about feed efficiency. And when we consider the low price of milk at present, it is essential to innovate and acquire knowledge. In order to be able to conduct research with maximum precision, one measure was to install a <link products.trioliet.com/automatic-feeding/automatic-feeding-system-triomatic-t40.html _blank external-link-new-window "Opent externe link in nieuw scherm">Triomatic T40 automatic feeding system</link> from Trioliet.
Precision is the key
The Triomatic T40 automatic feeding system consists of a feed kitchen with feed floors for silage blocks and bales. It is one of <link products.trioliet.com/automatic-feeding.html _blank external-link-new-window "Opent externe link in nieuw scherm">8 different automatic feeding systems</link> of Trioliet. The decision was made to install this particular automated feeding system at the Dairy Campus due to the fact that it meets the exacting requirements placed on it. Precision is the key in this case. The Triomatic scored the highest for loading accuracy, mixing quality and precision when discharging the feed into the troughs. These are three important factors to consider when conducting research into feed uptake in relation to the production of a cow and its health.
Each feed component is loaded to a degree of accuracy of 1 or 2 kg in the Triomatic T40 automatic feeding system's feed kitchen. The predetermined ration amount is carefully compiled and transported to the feed robot. Along with the loading accuracy of the feed kitchen, the mixing quality of small mixture quantities is another feather in the cap for this automated feeding system. The small-scale mixing chamber of the Triomatic feed robot in combination with the small jacks and special wall design enables the feed to be transported through the entire chamber. Even small amounts of feed (e.g. 60 kg) can be easily mixed into a uniform ration thanks to this dual-flow principle.
Study results in advice for farmers
The feed is discharged into RIC containers manufactured by Hokofarm Group to an accuracy level of 500 g. As the software used in the feed robot communicates with the RIC containers, the automatic feeding system knows exactly which containers need to be filled and which ration to fill them with. Each container could theoretically be supplied with its own ration. The sensors worn by the cows enable researchers to gain a good impression of what each cow actually eats and produces. The results of the study are converted into practical advice which dairy farmers then benefit from.
Many parties are working together to ensure that the study is as far-reaching as possible. Joining forces in this way means that everybody profits from each party's specific knowledge and expertise. All dairy farmers in the Netherlands can subsequently use the knowledge acquired to their advantage. As such, we are working together towards shaping a better, socially responsible and innovative dairy industry. At the same time, it enables us to cement our leading position on the international stage when it comes to innovation in the dairy sector.
Dairy Campus, the Leeuwarden-based national knowledge centre for innovation in the dairy sector, is holding an open-house event from 26 to 28 May, which will also mark the official opening of its new building. The three-day event will focus exclusively on the future of the dairy food chain under the banner 'Dairy is the future'. If you wish to see our <link products.trioliet.com/automatic-feeding/automatic-feeding-system-triomatic-t40.html _blank external-link-new-window "Opent externe link in nieuw scherm">Triomatic T40</link> at work, be sure to visit Dairy Campus in Leeuwarden from 26 to 28 May.
Open House Dairy Campus
26th - 28th May 2016, from 09.30 - 16.00 o'clock
Boksumerdyk 11, 9084 AA Leeuwarden
Location: <link www.google.com/maps/dir//Boksumerdyk+11,+9084+AA+Goutum,+Nederland/@53.1807604,5.7520022,16.04z/data=!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x47c8fc6cba14c465:0xe062361f58af6e3b!2m2!1d5.7565546!2d53.180656 _blank external-link-new-window "Opent externe link in nieuw scherm">route</link>
• * (RIC = Roughage Intake Control)