Author: Kristine Piccart (ILVO) - Date: April 10, 2019

Ever since their introduction in the 1980’s, automatic milk feeders have a become well-established tool for managing dairy calves in groups. Not only do they reduce labor input, automatic milk feeders also generate a large amount of data on the feeding behavior of individual calves. This makes is easier to monitor their health and wellbeing.

Author: Jef Aernouts (Farmdesk) - Date: February 25, 2019

Milk production data contain an enormous amount of useful information. Based upon production numbers, fat and protein levels, urea levels, cel counts and plate counts, farmers should continuously make decisions. Feed management is one of the major concerns on any dairy goat farm. On a technical level, rationing has a huge impact on milk production. It accounts for 40-70% of the milk yield. On an economical level, feed is the major cost on any dairy farm.

Authors: Kristine Piccart & Diederik Van Damme (ILVO) - Date: February 20th, 2019

Nearly every dairy barn is equipped with electrical components and automated tools (e.g. in the milking parlour, concentrate feeders, manure scrapers, selection gates…). When the electrical system is not properly grounded or its insulating material is affected, unwanted stray voltage may occur in the barn. Unfortunately, the accurate diagnosis of stray voltage issues is still a bottleneck in practice: it can be a long, strenuous process for dairy farmers.