Automatic Feeder For Dairy Cows

Automatic Feeder for Dairy Cows LIVESTOCK Dairy (17) 17-2-10 Dave Pearson wanted to feed grain to his cows four times a day but he didn't want to go to the barn four times a day. He liked the idea of an automatic feeding system but didn't like the several thousand dollar price tag for a commercial unit. So, after five years of experimentation and testing, the Hewitt, Minn., farmer finally came up with his own design for a system that automatically feeds his 42 cows at noon and at midnight. He says it's more reliable and less expensive than anything on the market and he can build it inexpensively. For example, he recently built and installed a complete system for a neighbor's 57 cows for under $2,000. Pearson's feed box system consists of boxes made out of 8-in. dia. pieces of pvc pipe fitted with plywood bottoms. They're held upright by catches connected by steel cable that run up to an electric actuator (the type used to turn satellite dishes). When activated, the actuator lifts the catches that hold the feed boxes upright, allowing them to fall to the side by gravity, dumping their load of feed. During regular feeding, Pearson puts the boxes back up into place, filling them with a ration of feed as he gives a ration to each cow. Pearson says he's been pleased with the improved health of his herd, especially with regard to twisted stomach and ketosis. He's also boosted milk production since he started feeding four times a day. He says one of the trickiest parts of building the system was protecting the feed boxes from the cows. He mounts a protective grille behind each pair of boxes to keep cows away. Contact FARM SHOW Followup, Dave Pearson, Rt. 1, Box 124, Hewitt, Minn. 56453 (ph 218 924-2971).

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