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There will be in the region of 2.1 million calves born this year in Ireland, with the peak calving period occurring between January and April. Heading into this busy period, we take a look at different products on the market that will aid farmers during this busy time frame.
Moocall sales hit over 5,000 units
Moocall, the calving aid that senses when a cow is approaching calving, has recorded excellent performance over the last 12 months. The company reports selling in excess of 5,000 units in over 20 countries since December 2014. Eighty percent of these sales have been directed at suckler farmers, with those working off-farm particularly interested in the device as a means of detecting when cows are approaching calving.
The Moocall device is a sensor that attaches to a cow’s tail in advance of calving. It monitors the cow’s level of activity and can identify when a cow is close to calving. A text message is then sent to the farmer to notify them. The device itself is water resistant, easily cleaned and has a prolonged battery life, with some farmers quoting 40 hours of use before recharging.
Moocall recommends one device is sufficient for a 40-cow herd. The cost of the device is €329, which includes the first year’s operating costs. Thereafter, there is a €150 annual charge to cover operating costs. See moocall.com.
Easier moving with the calf barrow
Manually moving calves is labour intensive and can have a negative effect on the farmer’s health. Calf barrows, such as the one manufactured and traded by Thomas Kenny (087-2968 927) is a quick and easy way to transport calves across the yard with minimal labour and less strain on a farmer’s back.
The calf is easily loaded into the barrow without lifting and lies on its back, which immobilises it while transporting.
The barrow costs approximately €250 and Thomas reports steady growth, with sales now reaching over 270 units. It is made of durable plastic and is easily cleaned. A blanking plate can be applied at the end of the product which allows it to act as a normal wheelbarrow. Thomas says the barrow is also suitable for transporting sheep.
Feeding with Lely Calm feeder
The Lely Calm calf feeder is an automated calf feeding system which supplies the correct portion and concentration of feed spread over the day, reflecting normal feeding. As soon as a calf enters a milk station, it is recognised by its electronic transponder and, according to the calf’s feeding plan, the Lely Calm calf feeder decides if it is allowed to drink, and how much.
A minimum and maximum portion of milk per visit can be set for each calf and the calf feeder will automatically determine the ration per calf. If the calf is allowed to drink, the calf feeder immediately prepares a fresh portion of milk at the predetermined temperature. The Lely Calm feeds 60 calves and cleans itself automatically, resulting in better machine hygiene. See www.lely.com for more info on the feeder, which costs approximately €8,500 plus VAT (zero finance over three years).
O’Donovan Engineering individual calf pens
Calf pens are a necessary part of any well-planned calf house. O’Donovan Engineering pens have a plastic stepper slat or a treated timber slat which the company says makes the pens more hygienic, easier to clean and more comfortable for the calf. These individual pens have pressed steel plate sides and front that is hot-dip galvanised. The hinged front gate provides easy access to the calf and comply with new EC directives.
More info can be found at www.odonovaneng.ie.
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