Calf Shed Hygiene Starts with Chemistry
Good Calf shed hygiene has always been about providing clean, dry bedding.
Bigger and better, says Stallion chief executive Grant Allen describing the company’s largest MTF mobile calf feeder, the Mixer Tanker Feeder.
Designed to feed 60-65 calves on the 80-teat feeder, the largest MTF is for farmers wanting to save time and energy, Allen says.
“People are buying larger mobile units to raise calves in bigger mobs, saving time and reducing the number of trips”.
The MTF is easy to use for transporting and mixing colostrum, milk powder or any other calving supplement for feeding. It comes in 50, 60, 70 or 80 teat configurations and can hold 1000L.
It has a robust galvanised frame and a tandem axle layout.
Its standard single cylinder Honda four stroke engine powers the pump, and the engine can be optioned with electric start, making the process of mixing and distributing milk as easy as turning a key.
The 1000L tank is easily filled using a camlock fast fill connection. Its rear mounted hose and dispenser nozzle allow a seamless, easy switch from paddock to pen feeding.
Easy cleaning starts with a quick-fit hose connection at the rear of the unit. When the operator fills the tank to about one quarter this starts the pump which activates self cleaning that takes about three minutes. Also, the easy clean manifold design allows fast draining of residual rinse water.
Stallion has designed and manufactured calf feeders and transport gear for 30 years.
Allen has good advice for calf rearers: “Don’t skimp on the number of teats on the feeder. Calves grow rapidly so always aim to see 10-15% of the teats free to avoid overcrowding and bullying.”
National’s pledge to introduce 19 new national standards shows the party is serious about getting Wellington out of farming, Federated Farmers says.
The National Party’s policies to make it easier to grow fresh vegetables, secure reliable water and energy and simplify farm planning are practical changes that will give growers the confidence to invest, according to Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Fonterra Co-operative Group chief financial officer Andrew Murray has resigned to take up a role outside the dairy giant.
A major move is about to get underway to improve the quality and viability of dairy beef and cattle in NZ.
Veterinarians say changes to the code of welfare for dairy cattle provides a positive foundation for improved cattle welfare across the country.
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.
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