Top 10 Factors Limiting Nursery Calf Group Feeding Systems – Dr. Noah Litherland, Vita Plus

Posted on June 20, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
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By Dr. Noah Litherland, Vita Plus dairy youngstock technical specialist
Automated calf feeding systems continue to increase in popularity throughout the upper Midwest despite little uniformity in facility design, feeding method, and performance across farms and no industry-wide accepted model to balance facility performance and cost. 

My opinion is that the technology in automated calf feeders is quite good, however, many farms still struggle to manage calves in groups.  We have identified 10 common factors limiting group feeding systems, and suggest some strategies to correct these shortcomings and monitor success. 

VIDEO: Feeding Calves in Autofeeder Systems – Data Management (Part 3)

Posted on December 21, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
In this video, Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator, walks us through the data autofeeder systems provide and highlights key indicators that can help you best manage your calves. Click here for Part 1 in this video series and click here for Part 2.  Gain more helpful video tips on our YouTube channel.

Video: Feeding Calves in Autofeeder Systems – Cleaning and Maintenance (Part 2)

Posted on August 27, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
In this video, Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator, reminds us that cleanliness is key to raising healthy calves in any system.  She shares tips for cleaning automatic calf feeders and identifying potential hot spots for bacterial growth. Click here for Part 1 in this video series and stay tuned for a future video

Video: Feeding Calves in Autofeeder Systems – The Feeding Program (Part 1)

Posted on April 28, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
In this video, Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator, outlines how to set the feeding program in an autofeeder system.  Stay tuned for future videos on maintenance, trouble shooting and data management.  Gain more helpful video tips on our YouTube channel.

Preconference Producer Panel Discussion – Lessons Learned with Autofeeders

Posted on July 2, 2014 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
Click to download the PowerPoint presentation Article written by Macy Sarbacker When it comes to autofeeders, those who have installed the technology on their farms have learned through experience how to best operate them and what they would do differently if given the chance. In the preconference session at Vita Plus Calf Summit 2014, Chad

Autofeeders: What Have We Learned? – Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus

Posted on April 30, 2014 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
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We have learned many things along the way as autofeeders become more popular in the calf raising world.  On the dairy, we tend to learn most things through experience – good or bad.  While that makes it difficult to pinpoint exact “rights and wrongs,” learning from others’ experiences can help us focus on making the

Regional Calf Report: Central Michigan – Kristi Keilen

Posted on August 29, 2013 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Kristi Keilen, Vita Plus dairy specialist Here in Michigan, things have been going well this month.   An unusually cool summer has been very good for the calves.  With temperatures staying right around the 70s, we haven’t had much heat stress to worry about and calves have minimal health issues.  Temperatures have climbed this week,

Ann Hoskins – Autofeeders: Are They Here to Stay

Posted on November 9, 2012 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
Download a printable PDF Presentation Autofeeders have advanced since they were first released on the market. According to Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator, more advanced autofeeders come with a reconsideration of how to manage your facility. Hoskins said autofeeders are free-range feeding systems. They allow milk on demand for the calves that are

Exploring Autofeeders For Your Calf Operation

Posted on November 9, 2012 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator Automatic calf feeders are popping up on many dairy operations across the Midwest. The technology offers plenty of opportunities, but it also requires a refocus on management. The decision of whether autofeeders fit your calf program needs to be made only after careful consideration of how the