Smart feeding for herringbone sheds

PPP Industries' Smart Feed delivery unit is intended to increase yield and long-term growth, and to facilitate herd expansion.

The system allows precise distribution of up to six different feed formulations directly into the milking shed or feed pad, providing cows with the correct amount of feed reliably and at the desired time.

Smart Feed is able to deliver more than one type of dairy ration at the same time (similar to rotary sheds) and has the added advantage of an in-built mineral dispenser.

Available in three formats, the system can deliver standard blanket feeding, where all cows receive the same amount; grouping, where cows are fitted with EID's and the farmer can select four-five different groups and target these groups with different feed amounts; and/or different types of feed, where the system is connected to silos containing different dairy rations, for a feed-to-yield regime which offers the advantages of a rotary shed.

The buyer can first choose a basic system which can be upgraded to ear-tag readability at a later date.

The system also has the ability to identify cows for herd testing, add alerts on cows in the shed such as antibiotic status, and can interact with automated drafting systems, allowing the operator to remotely check feed given to cows and daily feed usage.

Moving parts are minimal, reducing clutter.