CALF FEEDING
Nurturing growth: calf feeding
Rota Guido promotes intelligent feeding management to support calf growth and ensure consistent performance, health and welfare from the very first days of life.
FIRST MOMENTS OF LIFE
Effective colostrum feeding: getting off to a good start
Colostrum provides calves with antibodies, energy and essential nutrients to activate their immune defences and promote growth. Proper management of this phase has a direct impact on the calf’s survival and future productivity.
PHASE 1: WEANING
CalfRail in individual box
The use of CalfRail, a specialised system for programmed feed distribution developed by Rota Guido, automatically ensures multiple meals per day, with the option to adjust the quantity for each calf according to a pre-set feeding curve. By entering the calf’s date of birth, the system automatically dispenses milk according to a pre-set curve, up to 8 daily rations, promoting more regular and natural growth.
Disinfecting the teat between animals prevents the transmission of pathogens, ensuring maximum safety.
The milk is always supplied at the correct temperature, with accurate and consistent dosages.
Water, which is always available, enhances their development, and the concentrates in the feeders begin to accustom the future heifers to dry feed.
What sets the CalfRail Rota Guido apart?
Customised feeding based on a programmed schedule.
Hygiene system with automatic cleaning.
Digital control of quantity and frequency.
Compatibility with individual and group pens.
Feed intake tracking.
FROM INDIVIDUAL BOX TO GROUP AREAS
Transport trolley
Using a specialised trolley fitted with a weighing scale to transport weaned calves from individual pens to the post-weaning areas will enable you to verify the actual positive results achieved.
PHASE 2: WEANING
Group weaning using the automatic feeder
After 10–15 days in individual pens, the calves are transferred into homogeneous groups, encouraging early bonding and more consistent growth, with daily weight gains exceeding 1,000 g. The use of automatic feeders allows for the early management of group feeding, reducing the stress of the move to the group pen and facilitating a gradual transition from milk to dry feed, with the option to extend feeding for up to 11 weeks.
The feeder’s cleaning system, the HygieneBox, ensures high hygiene standards thanks to automatic washing of the feeding lines, dedicated detergents and a drainage tray for residues.
What are the benefits of the automatic feeder?
Reduced labour requirements and optimised feeding management.
Simultaneous feeding of up to 120 calves across 4 suction stations.
Individual tracking and automatic adjustment of the feeding plan.
Capability to feed both individual and group box.
Electronic identification of calves via antenna and transponder.
Health monitoring: early detection of at-risk animals and subsequent administration of targeted treatments, either to individual animals or entire groups.
POST-WEANING
From milk to dry matter
After weaning, which generally takes place within 8 weeks of birth, calves enter the delicate transition phase from milk to solid feed. Calves that consume more than 900 g/day of dry matter during weaning cope with this transition more successfully, maintaining steady growth.
A sudden change in diet, on the other hand, can compromise growth, increasing the risk of respiratory and enteric diseases and delaying the start of production.
CALF CRATES
The ideal calf crates for this delicate stage
The benchmark solution is the RTO Extra, featuring an anti-suffocation swing-arm, designed for safety and optimal calf management. Available in various configurations depending on age:
- Ø ¾: 3–6 months
- Ø 1: 6–10 months
The range is completed by:
- 1–3 months: fixed arch or sloping stands
- 3–6 months: RTO, sloping stands or adjustable tube
CALVES
FIND OUT MORE
See the handbook “Housing for replacement heifers: from birth to first calving”.
ADVICE
Request a consultation
Please do not hesitate to contact us.
Rota Guido’s technical and sales team is at your complete disposal for any enquiries or information you may require.
IN-HOUSE PRODUCTION
Design, manufacture and assembly by Rota Guido
All the solutions presented are developed and manufactured in-house to ensure quality, control and reliability in every detail.