After jointly introducing the first modular feed kitchen in 2017, robot manufacturer Lely and barn innovator ID Agro have now entered into an official partnership.
With this partnership, both organisations have given the green flag to distribute the modular feed kitchen via the Lely Center network.
This allows ID Agro to expand its sales market, while Lely Centers can offer their customers a complete automatic feeding system.
For livestock farmers, Lely said that this means a shorter turnaround time and further direct communication lines during the planning and installation of the Vector system.
Combining the knowledge of each organisation’s specialism has resulted in a modular building. In this building, livestock farmers can store and load various feed components in block, bale or bulk, while maintaining quality.
‘Extensive flexibility’ in feed storage options
Livestock farmers can easily change the type of feed and its location, which allows them to respond perfectly to the changing seasons.
A crane structure with a feed grabber is installed on the ceiling in the feed kitchen. This moves above the stored feed, from where it grabs feed from the correct location and deposits it in the mixing and feeding robot. It is easy to keep the open storage area clean with a tractor or loader.
The feed kitchen is available in different sizes. Lely said that thanks to the modular structure, farmers can install a feed kitchen that suits their farm.
Capacity can easily be increased later by adding a module. The structure means the preparation and installation work required is said to be limited.
This reduces the foundation and construction costs, according to the manufacturer.
Lely said that the feed kitchen modules are very compact, so they can be installed without a licence in a number of cases, although this depends on local legislation.
If a licence is required, ID Agro has said it will help the farmer to arrange one.
Modular feed kitchen available immediately
In the case of an existing cowshed, the local Lely center, in partnership with ID Agro, can also install the appropriate steel structure on which the crane sections of the feed grabber are mounted.
At the moment, 10 modular feed kitchens are operating in the Netherlands.
This number will increase in the coming weeks with a planned installation in Germany and a double kitchen in Denmark.
The modular feed kitchen is available immediately and Lely said that availability in more countries will follow later this year.
