increase font size
The OptiDuo makes feed more palatable for cows and reduces waste.
Building on its launch back in 2018, DeLaval has launched a new OptiDuo feed pushing robot, with a claim that using this technology can add up to three litres/ cow/day.
To back that claim, data from over 1,500 OptiDuos in the workplace has been collated to demonstrate time and labour savings made by users, but it has also showed multiple improvements in cow health.
“Constantly refreshing feed in feed barns or pads encourages cows to eat more, resulting in a more stable rumen and increased milk production,” says DeLaval feeding specialist Ludo Bols.
“OptiDuo will run up to 10 times a day and customers tell us that it appears to be stimulus for the animals to eat, because on every occasion, they return to the fence to eat more.”
The OptiDuo remixes forage, “freshening” the feed to make it more palatable and reduce waste. Featuring a layout that incorporates a twin-spiralled rotating auger and adaptive drive function the machine can work with a variety of forage types that need to be mixed and made available to cows 24 hours/day.
The latest model also allows the farmer the option of feeding concentrates, via an integral dispenser that can be filled while the machine is charging, allowing concentrates to be fed out and recorded throughout the day.
 |
|---|
|
The first OptiDuo was launched in 2018. |
The latest incarnation of OptiDuo features an impact-resistant engineering thermoplastic cover made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) – a product often used in motor vehicle production. On the control front, updated software collects more data that in turn is shared using DeLaval’s operating system.
The company notes that farmers with milking robots have reported that cow flow and robot visits have also improved with OptiDuo.
“On farms that have chosen to invest in milking robots, we have seen milk yields increase by up to three litres of milk/ cow/day,” Bols says.
“For those who have invested, OptiDuo has provided improved cow health, farm profitability, operational efficiency and milk yield.”
The arrival of new F8 and F9 designations for its 8000 and 9000 series forage harvesters, signals a swag of upgrades from John Deere, highlighted by topping the 1000hp mark for the first time.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson recently secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill.
Ashburton-based Carrfields has signed an agreement with Manitou to take over the distribution and retail rights for Manitou Agricultural Equipment covering the lower North Island and the South Island, effective August 1, 2025.
With June ending and following the most upbeat National Fieldays for several years, tractor dealers are reporting a lift in sales.
Samasz distributor FarmShop has introduced the new XDF Series Front Mowers, said to be refined for local conditions and to improve cutting precision and wear resistance.
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
OPINION: The phasing out of copper network from communications is understandable.
Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.
