The Lely Vector is a robotic feeding system that puts together feed, mixes, and places feed in front of the cows. Key features of the Vector, optimizes work-life balance on the farm and animal growth rates. Effectively, the Vector sends the MFR on a route frequently, measures the feed height, and reports which groups of cows are low on feed. It then begins mixing a batch for that group and pushes the feed closer to the fence. The feed grabber grabs the ingredients and dumps them into the MFR while mixing. Up to 8 different types of minerals and concentrates can be added to a mix at any given time. On average, it takes 30 minutes to add ingredients, mix and another 30 to dispense.
More frequent feeding prompts animals to approach the feed fence more often, leading to better dry matter intakes and helping achieve growth weight targets.
Commonly asked questions:
Will the Vector allow every cow a chance to eat?
Usually, 30% of the herd is dominant, and 70% is less dominant. Feeding more frequently gives the less dominant 70% a greater chance to eat.
How does the Vector contribute to a better work-life balance?
The Vector consists of a kitchen (feed storage), a feed grabber, and a MFR (Mixing Feeding Robot). The farmer can load the kitchen with corn silage, round bales, and hay on a Friday and won't have to fill it again until Monday.
What productivity gains can I get from my cows?
Productivity gains are usually measured in terms of milking cows and uplift in milk yields from dry matter intake is around 1.9 liters of milk per cow per day. For heifers, hitting the 0.75 kg weight target makes them more likely to calve at 2 years of age, adding up to 600-800 kgs of profitable milk in the first lactation.
What's the return on investment for productivity gains?
It depends on the farm's size, feed quality, and ration types. However, this system pays for itself with labor savings, leading to a better lifestyle, and a productivity increase of 1.9 liters per cow per day, reducing the need for more cows to fill the quota.
Feel free to reach out to your account manager or give a call to the WCR service line if you have any questions about the Vector. We're here to help and would be happy to assist you!
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