Calf-feeding systems put to the test at Net Zero Pilot Dairy Farm

Automatic, ad-lib and manual calf feeding systems are put to the test, revealing how early nutrition influences growth, labour demands, costs and longer-term productivity.

Good calf rearing is one of the most important foundations for future herd performance, and an ongoing trial at the Co-op's Net Zero Pilot Dairy Farm in Taranaki is exploring how different calf-feeding systems could influence this.

The trial began last year and compares three feeding systems: a DeLaval (Förster-Technik) automatic calf feeder, a Heatwave ad-lib calf feeder and conventional twice-a-day manual feeding.

As with everything trialled on the farm, the focus is on solutions that are practical, scalable and good for the farmer, the cow and the milk.
 

The impact of early-life nutrition

The trial is designed to compare the performance of the three calf rearing systems and how they impact not only calf growth, but also health, labour demands and the overall practicality of calf management.

A key question is whether early-life nutrition affects first-lactation milk production, long-term productivity and emissions per kilogram of milk once lactating.

Overseas and more local evidence suggests higher pre-weaning growth can improve first-lactation yield, so the trial will help identify which rearing systems best support New Zealand dairy farms targeting lower emissions alongside stronger performance and better labour efficiency.

The trial is also assessing the cost-effectiveness of each system, including labour, capital investment and cost per kilogram of liveweight gain.

Setting up the trial

The trial began with 125 replacement heifer calves split into three groups. Calves were distributed between the groups based on birth weight, breeding worth and birth date to ensure each group was as even as possible.

The calves were trained to use teats in specially designed pens and had outdoor access from seven days of age.

They were weighed weekly, while milk powder, meal use, equipment costs and labour requirements were also tracked.

• The automatic feeder measured milk intake for each calf 24/7, and allocated milk periodically to reduce gorging. It also cleaned itself regularly.
• The ad-lib feeder allowed true ad-lib access, heating the milk to a specified temperature. Labour included topping up milk and cleaning the 200-litre drums.
• The manual feeding involved feeding calves three litres twice a day, using an open group feeder.
   

The results

Calves on the automatic feeder grew significantly faster than conventionally reared calves and were much younger when they reached weaning weight of 95kg.

Across the full period from birth until six weeks post weaning, the average daily liveweight gain was similar between all three treatments, with the ad-lib feeder calves performing in-between the automatic feeder and conventional groups.

The conventional feeding system was the cheapest per kilogram of weight gain, and the ad-lib feeder was the most expensive.

The automatic feeder had the highest equipment costs, while labour requirements were greatest for the conventional and ad-lib feeder systems.

The conventionally fed calves consumed significantly less milk and much more meal per calf each day compared to the other two groups – an important difference to track as these animals progress to their first lactation.

What’s next?

These animals will continue to be monitored through to the end of their first lactation, building a full picture of how early feeding choices could impact long-term productivity and efficiency. Lessons already learned from this first round of the trial will also be carried through to the next group of calves.

This is one of several trials on the Net Zero Pilot Dairy farm to test what works and what doesn’t. Whether it’s feeding systems, pasture management or tree planting, the goal is the same: to reduce emissions while supporting a thriving, productive dairy system.
 

What is The Net Zero Pilot Dairy Farm?

The Net Zero Pilot Dairy Farm is a project within the Fonterra and Nestlé partnership, working with Dairy Trust Taranaki to trial emissions reduction solutions on a 250ha (210ha effective) farm in Taranaki. The pilot aims to create New Zealand’s first commercially viable net zero dairy farm in 10 years.

Image Credit: Pip Guthrie.