At Bergesmilch GP in Eslohe, Germany, we laid the foundation for a modern and efficient future. On our farm with 450 dairy cows and young stock, we faced the challenge of optimizing our feeding processes. The senior member of our team, who had been responsible for daily feeding for many years, retired. This made it essential to find a solution that combines quality, efficiency, and flexibility – and we found it with the Triomatic automatic feeding system.
A thoughtful system for consistent feed quality
The Triomatic automatic feeding system includes:
- Five T30 feed bunkers: two for grass, one for corn, one for pulp, and one for straw.
- One dosing unit for brewer’s grains..
- Six mineral dosing units that precisely weigh all components for the feeding robot.
The feeding robot prepares 40 mixes daily, each tailored to the animals’ specific needs. It takes approximately 30 minutes to make each mix, working up to 20 hours per day.
Stable milk production with precise rations
Our cows produce approximately 40 liters of milk per cow daily. The milk composition – 3.40% protein and 3.60% to 3.80% fat – remains consistent because the animals receive the exact calculated ration every day. Previously, manual feeding, especially with temporary workers, caused variations of up to 300 kg per mix, negatively affecting performance. With the Triomatic automatic feeding system, such errors are eliminated, ensuring our animals always get what they need.
“With the Triomatic system, we have found the perfect balance between efficiency and animal welfare – an investment that pays off every day!”
Calm and healthy barn environment
Since introducing the automatic feeding system, conditions in the barn have significantly improved. Previously, cows would crowd the feed alley, especially when the feed mixer arrived. Now, they know fresh feed is always available and remain calm. Lower-ranking and weaker animals also have easy access to feed, improving their health and feed intake.
Efficient energy use
Previously, we used 30 to 35 liters of diesel daily for the tractor and feed mixer. The Triomatic system consumes just about 70 kWh of electricity per day, much of which comes from our solar panels. The energy savings, combined with reduced labor time, contribute to the system’s quick payback.
Significant labor savings
Daily tasks with the feeding system now only involve filling the bunkers and mineral containers, which takes about one hour per day. Previously, this took 4 to 5 hours, saving us 3 to 4 hours of work daily. On weekends, filling the bunkers on Saturday is enough, so no work is required on Sundays – a noticeable relief.
The benefits at a glance:
- Time savings: 3 to 4 fewer hours of work per day.
- Consistent milk production: Approximately 40 liters per cow daily due to precise rations.
- Improved animal health: Less stress and better feed intake.
- Energy efficiency: 70 kWh of electricity instead of 30 to 35 liters of diesel.
- Flexibility: Easy bunker refilling, even by less experienced workers.
Labor relief and sustainability
The Triomatic automatic feeding system has transformed our daily operations and delivers consistent results. Our cows are healthier, the barn is calmer, and we save valuable time and energy.
“With the Triomatic automatic feeding system, we’ve achieved the perfect balance between efficiency and animal welfare – an investment that pays off every day!”
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