Continuous Feed Pushing for Increased Feed Intake

Article and photos provided by BouMatic.

Feed Pushers much like a cow brush, are perceived as a luxury item to some producers. But if it can enhance their bottom line and improve cow health and production, most producers would give some time to hear about them.

Increased Efficiency Of Feed And Animals

Full consumption of feed ration increases milk yield according to the Journal of Animal Science. The pusher keeps feed to the cows to allow her to eat at any time of the day. By having feed pushed up to the animal throughout the day, it stimulates more frequent eating. With a constant availability of feed, a cow’s intake of dry matter can increase as much as 3.5% and can increase milk yield by up to 1 liter per cow and day. This in turn also minimizes feed waste on average of 75%, because the feed is always within reach, so the cows are encouraged to eat all of it.

The Butler Gold Pro pushes the feed gently onto the feed trough, without applying pressure. Thanks to its special patented auger, the freshness and quality of the feed are maintained, and it motivates the animals to eat the feed. The unique screw conveyor works with all kinds of silage and feed and ensures the feed is loose and well-mixed. There is no compacting, pressing, or warming of the feed.

Enhances Animal Health And Calmness

Due to the regular pattern of the feed pusher, the hierarchy of the herd can achieve a better balance. After the high-ranking cows have had their fill, low-ranking cows can also access fresh feed. And if the low-ranking cows now have better feed access it stands to reason that they will eventually be able to improve their production. In a robotic installation this can also bring about a better cow flow pattern. Having a feed pusher has been shown to increase the visiting rate to the robot by approximately 10.9%, day and night. It also has shown improved hoof health and less body stress because she is not having to reach as far for food.

Cost Savings

Beyond saving up to 180 man-hours in labor a year and the reduction of waste in feeds, the Butler Gold Pro can also save fuel and wear and tear of equipment that had previously been needed. The Feed Pusher also is extremely energy efficient and does not emit any harmful emissions. It operates on 24V maintenance-free gel batteries that have a life expectancy of 3 to 5 years.

Easy To Install

The feed pusher is guided via magnets that are installed at every meter. The magnets are relatively small at 6 mm x 22mm and are drilled into the concrete and sealed, leaving minimal damage to the feed alley. The route only needs to be taught to the machine once manually. Then it can be individually programmed at any time.

Be In Control! User Friendly With Multi Touch Display

A 10-inch multi-touch display makes it easy and convenient to operate. And you can also access the system from anywhere using a PC, tablet, or smartphone thanks to Butler Gold’s wi-fi capability. Our specialists can make changes at any time using a remote maintenance function. And you automatically receive the latest software updates for your Butler Gold Pro.

Good Business?
Producers can find that not only will this enhance the cow’s environment but also their own. By adding to her comfort, the result is an overall happier and healthier cow – and happy cows lead to happy and successful producers.