Feedlync 2.0, developed by Cowconnect, is being launched in the UK following extensive trials in the UK and Denmark. The software is said to help growers improve feed efficiency and cow performance, while also reducing waste and the farm’s carbon footprint.
Additionally, the use of the system now counts towards Arla’s Sustainability Incentive, which is seen as a benchmark for industry-wide approaches to reducing the carbon impact per litre of milk produced.
It’s available on both Apple and Android devices, with an online portal for desktop computers. Users can analyse feed accuracy and quickly adjust the feed composition and cow numbers.
“This allows farm nutritionists to manage the diets even when not on farm,” explained Mollie Cresswell, AB Agri marketing and strategic account manager.
“They can change the rations, add or remove ingredients, manage pens and groups on the go, allowing for great visibility of the cows, as well as a faster and more accurate way to increase milk production and savings on feed.”
Using a loading accuracy heatmap and the stock management features, operator accuracy and stock levels can be monitored, with access to real-time updates on forage stocks reportedly being very popular.
“Users will be informed of how many days of forage are left in a clamp or how many days until delivery is required for concentrates. No other feed management system delivers these features,” added Ms Cresswell.
Other new features include a loading alarm, resetting the mix for unloading, ingredient management within the app and improved dry matter correction.
John Allwood of Huntingdon Hall Farm in Cheshire has been trialling the system and said: “The amount of analysis that can be done with the new Feedlync 2.0 is extensive.
“We can accurately monitor and analyse how much food we are using, as well as the time and the labour required to feed the cows. It shows where we can improve efficiencies and productivity, while also minimising wastage. All this combines to help reduce our carbon footprint.”
These comments are echoed by John Banks of Wildon Grange who added: “We have found Feedlync 2.0 to really help support our accuracy and helps us to calculate how much it is costing us to produce a litre of milk.
“It is simple to use and allows us to track all costs and cow performance, and because it is live, we can see what is going on all of the time. It has certainly helped improve our feed efficiencies, in doing so helping our margins.”
Consistent feeding
Consistent feeding is often attributed to an increase in milk yield, and Ms Creswell explained that the app can help growers achieve this.
“Working with the weighing system, Feedlync 2.0 ensures the feed is mixed precisely so that cows get the correct ration every time, helping to save on feed costs and reducing wastage, therefore enhancing environmental credentials,” she said.
Operators can also see margins and the cost of production, leading to informed decision-making. There is also a 24/7 support desk.
According to the company, users can expect to see a return on investment within just 94 days on average. By providing consumption data, the components of the ration and monitoring of feed costs, feed accuracy can be improved by around 4%.
“With a firm focus on sustainability and regenerative farming, the launch of Feedlync 2.0 is giving farmers even greater power to save money on expensive feed, increase margins and achieve great ROI,” concluded Ms Creswell.
For more information go to www.feedlync.com