CalfExpert
The trendsetter in calf feeders
Gain greater freedom through increased work flexibility. Data analysis via app aids professional management.
Better rearing performance thanks to weight measurement with weighing scales. Lower veterinary costs through automatic animal monitoring and early alerts.
Promote natural drinking behaviour: many individual feeds support the healthy development of the calves.
Calf Feeding made easy
Calf feeders from Holm & Laue are sturdy, easy to operate and always guarantee healthy and strong calves thanks to individual mixing and hygienic preparation of the milk diet. The CalfExpert is a feeder that sets new standards in the market. The result: even more intelligent, even faster and even more functions to make your work easier and guarantee optimum feeding of your calves. You will soon see how the CalfExpert revolutionises your work with calves – you always have all the important information at your fingertips: at the feeder, at the HygieneStation or on your mobile phone. Not only preparation of the milk diet is speeded up, automatic cleaning is faster too. At last, whole milk feeding is just as convenient as feeding milk replacer (CMR). In combination with the DoubleJug milk cooling tank, the CalfExpert controls its functions automatically, including the cleaning of all lines and tanks. We are particularly proud of the operation of the CalfExpert: we consciously decided against touch control – or have you never tried to use your mobile phone with dirty fingers, wearing gloves or in the winter? We are convinced that our SmartKeys and the 7″ display provide you with the ideal operating concept. Take a look at the next few pages and discover the many possibilities provided by the new CalfExpert calf feeder.
THE modern calf feeder with individual calf feeding, whole milk system, intuitive control of the graphic display and many other features.
Individual animal feeding
Feeding a large number of calves with a fresh mix adapted to each individual calf is an enormous challenge. The CalfExpert has mastered this perfectly.
Always freshly mixed
The milk for each calf is always freshly mixed by the CalfExpert. Any residual milk is kept warm and fl ushed out of the system following longer drinking breaks. Other calf feeders work with a central milk supply. In milk stored this way at 40 °C, the germ
count doubles every 20 minutes. In contrast, the CalfExpert guarantees maximum hygiene and feeding suitable for every individual animal.
Individual adaptation
A central milk supply has another decisive disadvantage: modern feeding programs (e.g. the metabolic programming) require a higher CMR concentration at the start of rearing (e.g. 160 g/l) to give a power pulse. In the milk reduction phase however, a lower concentration is needed (130 g/l). This individual animal
feeding can only be achieved if the mix is prepared individually for each calf, as is the case with CalfExpert.
“Brix-TS” for consistent mixtures
The electronic Brix sensor integrated into the CalfExpert mixing bowl continuously measures the dry matter of the freshly mixed calf milk. allowing, deviating mixing concentrations of milk replacer to be detected. The CalfExpert control then corrects the concentration of the milk to ensure that the correct milk mixture is always prepared.
“QuickChange” logic for more performance
With the new CalfExpert we have designed the mixing process and calf changeover to be even faster and thus optimised utilisation of the HygieneStations. The fast mixing ensures that the milk is at the stall after only 3 seconds. After the last mix,
the system changes immediately to the second stall and a further calf is fed. In addition, priorities can be specifi ed in the CalfExpert menu so that young or sick calves are given preferential treatment. The tried-and-trusted fl exitime program is an additional guarantee that the calves’ feeding times are spread very evenly throughout the day without the animals clustering
around the stalls. This reduces waiting times for high animal capacities and ensures calves have a positive “visit experience”.
QuadroFlex: simultaneous and yet flexible feeding
With the new QuadroFlex system, four calves can feed at the same time at two PowerMixers. The CalfExpert mixes the milk freshly when calves wish to drink. This means no tank supply system is required. The feeding quantity is determined precisely for each calf by maintenance-free sensors. If a calf requires a special mix e.g. including medicine or electrolytes, only the sister stall at the same PowerMixer is switched off. Calves can continue to feed at both stalls at the second PowerMixer. This allows 120 calves to be fed at 4 HygieneStations. Thus the capacity of the CalfExpert has been increased by approx. 20 – 30 % compared to its predecessor H&L 100.
Enjoy calm and compliant calves
Since CalfExpert does not restrict feeding to certain times of day, calves can come and feed at any time. Your calves will no longer see you as a nurse and will therefore remain calm when people enter the barn. Younger and weaker calves have all the time they need to consume their full ration. And since the CalfExpert works with an intelligent credit logic, all the calves have drinking credit at different times. As a result, fewer animals crowd around the station. And the anti-pirate valve ensures that stronger calves do not steal milk. You’ll see the result: very uniform, relaxed groups of calves!
Weaning process
The CalfExpert is very gentle as it prepares the calves’ transition to concentrate and forage feed. At the end of the milk die stage, it reduces the allocated quantity in small steps of 0.1l per day, thereby stimulating the development of the forestomach system.
Flexible feeding programs
Modern feeding programs should always be adapted to the age, race, personal rearing target or health of the calves. You can implement all this ideally at the CalfExpert.
8 feeding curves for maximum flexibility
CalfExpert can be used to turn any feeding programme into reality. The feeding curves can be adapted extremely flexibly in each of the 8 groups. Up to 16 “turning points” allow you to fine-tune your personal feeding concept down to the last detail. Or you decide in favour of one of the proven and pre-set CalfExpert feeding programmes.
Metabolic programming
Intensive feeding in the first few weeks of a calf’s life will usually lead to significantly higher milk production later. However, the right reduction of milk for calves e.g. after an ad libitum phase presents every calf owner with special challenges. With the CalfExpert, every calf is weaned slowly off a high milk consumption in terms of both volume and concentration
Effective mixing of milk replacer powder
Flexible feeding also means that a wide range of CMRs and additives have to be prepared in an optimum and lump-free way. The continuously variable PowerMixer guarantees a soft start to avoid splashes and then stirs the milk replacer powder intensively. This means the calf receives its freshly mixed milk directly at the teat in just 3 seconds.
And if things should take longer?
The feeding process can sometimes take longer where young or weak calves are involved. We prevent the separation of the milk replacer powder by slow permanent stirring. And if it gets colder, the heater in the mixer always ensures the mix is kept at a constant temperature, for no matter how long the calf needs.
Specific additive feeding
Minimal doses of feed additives can be added to the milk diet in order to stabilise the gastrointestinal system. Sick calves can be treated with medicines in the milk. You can use two powder dosing units and two liquid dosing units. As with the milk programme, you can set different feeding curves for these additives as well. This means maximum flexibility for top calf health.
Higher income thanks to improved performance
Calves supplied with a lot of energy start lactation at an earlier age and produce more milk later on. CalfExpert also provides you with the best prerequisites for optimum animal health. This means a lower death rate and more animals in the herd reared from your herd offspring. This in turn gives you the opportunity to select the offspring in a targeted manner and to sell surplus heifers at a profit. And last but not least: by saving
working time, you are freeing up capacities on your farm that
can be used profitably.
Clean & Reliable
A calf feeder is designed to make your work easier and perform continually for 24 hours. To achieve this it has to work reliably under the rough conditions of a calf stall, like the CalfExpert does.
Hose cleaning including the teat
All hose systems used to have deposits of contaminated milk because they had not been cleaned often enough or thoroughly enough. The HygieneStation rinses the entire milk hose through to the teat during longer drinking breaks. In addition, the complete milk system is cleaned several times every day. When the DoubleJug is used, the supply line to the CalfExpert is automatically cleaned with it. This will reduce a calf’s exposure to bacteria, improve the health of the calves and save on manual cleaning.
Two cleaning agents
The CalfExpert can use two different cleaning agents to further optimise cleaning – either alternating with each cleaning cycle or combined in one cleaning cycle: (alkaline, rinse, acid, rinse). The cleaning agent pumps are fitted on the outside. They can thus draw directly from the tanks. This is safe and convenient. In addition, the CalfExpert generates automatic messages as soon as a canister is empty.
Integrated operating instructions
The 7′′ graphic display not only allows all calf data to be conveniently viewed. Pressing the key with the book icon opens help texts and information from the operating instructions at every level of the application.
Fly shield as standard
Two large doors protect the critical area where the mixer bowls are located. This keeps flies away from the milk and avoids problems in the milk system. The doors can be locked so children cannot be harmed or injured.
Ready to work whatever the weather
Calves love the outdoor climate, your CalfExpert does too. It comes with a frost protection programme that is activated automatically as soon as there is a risk of frost. Sensors in every HygieneStation and in the CalfExpert mixing chamber measure the ambient temperature and then adapt the mixing temperature and intensity of the frost protection programme accordingly. You can clean the outer surfaces of the automatic feeder with water, since all the sensitive components are water spray-proof.
Simple maintenance
Checking the equipment regularly is easy: the maintenance menu allows you to test all important components of the CalfExpert quickly and easily. You can also carry out calibration quickly yourself, because the software always tells you exactly what to do. We recommend that you have your CalfExpert serviced by a qualified technician at least once a year. This provides you with the peace of mind that the automatic feeder will be ready for the next rearing cycle.
Automatic calibration
The CalfExpert checks the flow rate of milk and water at regular intervals. ensuring a consistent amount of water for the calves without your needing to actively worry about it. Although this unfortunately does not apply to the amount of powder, the machine will remind you as soon as calibration needs to be performed. However, with its Brix-TS option (see p. 8), CalfExpert compensates for deviations in the mix concentration, so that you are always sure that the calves have been fed correctly.
Work more smartly
Kill two birds with one stone: the CalfExpert not only relieves you of tiresome and tiring jobs, it also increases feeding quality.
Gain time and flexibility
Take care of your calves when YOU want and don’t let them dictate your day. There are often other jobs and responsibilities to be taken care of in the mornings and evenings in particular: milking and feeding the cows, making breakfast forthe family or taking your children to school… CalfExpert feeds your calves. You only have to monitor the machinery and the animals. And training is reduced to a minimum with the new HygieneStation.
CalfExpert software
The completely new control software offers maximum clarity and simple CalfExpert operation. All calf data with individual feeding curve, alarm lists, technical parameters etc. can be viewed on the 7″ display. Via the Wi-Fi connection you can also access individual data on mobile devices or receive push messages in the event of fault messages.
SmartKeys
By consciously doing without touch technology and using so called SmartKeys, the CalfExpert can be operated reliably even in frosty conditions, in the rain, through gloves or even with dirty fingers. The illuminated SmartKeys guide you through the programme.
AmmoniaDetect
Ammonia irritates the mucous membranes of calves, even in small doses. This can lead to bronchitis in the long run, which can soon turn into pneumonia. Ammonia is only perceived as an odour when it is already in the harmful range. AmmoniaDetect is an electrochemical sensor that permanently measures ammonia levels in the barn air. It is installed directly in the lying area, protected from the calves by a pipe. CalfExpert analyses the measured values continuously and documents them in a chart. This enables you to optimise the ventilation of the calf barn and determine the best time for mucking out.
Automated work routines
With the CalfExpert, all employees know what they have to do and when. They carry out inspections, teat changes etc.at regular times. The CalfExpert generates empty messages for milk replacer powder, whole milk or cleaning agent in good time. And to avoid any stress, CalfExpert does not report “milk replacer powder empty” but already reminds you several hours beforehand.
CalfGuide app
CalfExpert comes with a Wi-Fi interface as standard. The CalfGuide app allows you to access important information directly on your mobile phone. This includes the general calf feeder data and details of the calf lists with the entire calf history. You can easily modify calf information and feeding curves in the app. In addition, CalfExpert sends messages about CMR fill levels or empty cleaning containers. A particularly practical feature is a Health Check, which allows you to objectively assess the health of your calves.
A feeder that has growing potential
With 4 feeder stalls, your CalfExpert is capable of feeding up 100 calves, in certain circumstances even up to 150 calves! Even if you feed fewer animals today, our modular system allows you to expand the calf feeder machine at any subsequent time with all the options available. So you save money now but can still make use of all the possibilities later.