Locked in calf feeders work in Oz – Vet

 Feeding milk to group-reared calves can be stressful and inefficient for both calf and operator because calves drink at differing speeds and can compete with each other for teat space. 

As a result, feeding calves may become a time consuming job, requiring multiple staff, to ensure that all calves receive their daily allowance of milk, which still cannot be guaranteed. 

In group feeding systems, it is difficult to identify slow or incomplete feeders, which can be an early sign of sickness. Such calves may not be picked up early enough which can increase their risk of morbidity (sickness) and mortality (death).

The concept of locking head bails for the feeding of calves is not new. They were used decades ago with variable success as the designs differed greatly. They became less popular as more convenient methods of group-feeding calves were developed. 

However, there are consequences of convenience and now, with research suggesting that our dairy calves are not being fed to reach their full potential, the more recent methods of feeding calves in large groups are no longer suitable.

Locking head bails are available in a range of designs, varying in strength, functionality and cost.

 Some models are deemed to be over-engineered with many moving parts, which contribute to overall weight and ultimately expense. 

When choosing a model for your calf shed, it is important to consider the number of calves per pen (determined by calving pattern and time period calves spend in the shed) and whether or not there is room for the equivalent number of head bails and an access gate to the pen. 

Access gates are essential to prevent injury to calves and staff. Regardless of the model, head bails are not intended to be climbed over. 

Other considerations include whether the head bails will be fixed or hinged, how the pens will be cleaned out, what type of feeders will be used and how milk will be delivered to the calf shed. 

A common theme is for milk to be transported from the dairy in a milk cart to the calf shed, where it is pumped to the individual feeders via a trigger hose. This has proven very popular due to the ease and speed of milk delivery without the need to lift and carry buckets of milk. 

This consistent, stress-free feeding regimen has shown health benefits and increased growth in dairy calves and more efficient use of staff at feeding time. 

The locking head bails have also allowed farmers to utilise accelerated growth programs which rely on individual milk feeding systems. 

In hot weather, routine feeding of electrolytes has proved beneficial to help reduce heat stress and disease events. The locking head bails allow fast and effective feeding of electrolytes, enabling all calves to receive a known volume. 

Benefits of locking head bails

• Each calf receives a known consistent volume of milk.
• Slow drinkers, with no underlying disease, can be kept with their age group. This enables a true all-in all-out system with improved biosecurity.
• Early identification of sick calves allows early treatment and increases the likelihood of a favourable outcome. 
• May help in the prevention of cross-suckling behaviour.
• Supports accelerated growth programs where calves need to be fed a known volume of milk.

• Dr Gemma Chuck is a dairy vet working at The Vet Group in south west Victoria. She has a special interest in calf rearing and is currently undertaking her PhD in this area at The University of Melbourne.