Lely Astronaut Feed Optimiser increases profits

Both took part in a trial of the Lely Astronaut Feed Optimiser (previously known as DLM), which is an option that can be selected within the Lely Astronaut robot and herd management software. They have seen dramatic benefits from activating the system. The results were monitored by Lely Center Eglish Farm Management Support (FMS) team and the effects confirmed by independent benchmarking services used by the farmers, Jason McMinn Consultancy, on McWhirter’s farm and Thompsons Milk Monitor service on Boyce’s farm.

Russell Boyce has been milking cows via robots since 2010 and switched to the Lely Astronaut in 2019. The Feed Optimiser was switched on in July this year. For the feature to be switched on the feed at the feed fence needs to be of good quality and a consistent mix. Based on the available comparable data the feed rate has reduced from 0.36 kg of meal per litre of milk to 0.28 kg of meal per litre of milk. So far Russell has calculated this to be a reduction of, on average, 8 tonne of meal per month. Butter fat and protein are up enough to give an extra 1p per litre bonus in the milk price. Milk yield has also increased during this time although this is more due to genetic progression of the herd, with a mating program run in conjunction with WWS. Body condition was independently assessed to be good, heats are stronger. The saving in meal and extra milk quality bonus alone are estimated to be worth approximately £31,000 per year. “I have been using Thompsons Milk Monitor this last ten years, as I like to keep a close eye on how the herd is performing. I can see the feed rate has reduced dramatically since I started Lely Feed Optimiser. I am very happy to see the meal bill down £2000 per month, milk up, solids up, cows in good condition and fertility is good too,” commented Russell.

James McWhirter has the Feed Optimizer switched on since he went onto first cut in September this year. The costings on the farm are done by Jason McMinn and although its early days he has confirmed the feed rate has decreased for the three months from Sept to Nov from 0.45 kg of meal per litre last year to 0.38 kg per litre this year. This is estimated to be worth an extra £28,000 per year profit. “Currently my meal bill is lower than last year, however I have more cows milking and milk yield is also up and solids are up this month too. Cows are in better condition, manure is firmer, heats are stronger, indeed the last few scans were good with 59 from 65 confirmed in calve. Our vet asked me what we had changed as he noticed a big difference in the manure when PD’ing, the only change we made was switching on the Lely Astronaut Feed Optimiser, it’s had a dramatic positive effect on the herd,” commented James.

The Lely Feed Optimiser option has been tested in farm trials and on thousands of cows. Lely Center Eglish have be testing it in Northern Ireland during the last year. Now the results are coming though the effects are even greater than expected. The unique software, developed by Lely, adjusts the feed levels up and/or down slightly and measures the cow’s response to this. It also takes on board the cost of meal and price of milk. It then works out what is the most profitable feed level and strategy per cow. Cows that give a profitable response to increases in meal get a little more until an optimum level is reached, cows that do not decrease when meal is reduced have a little more taken away. It will also rank each cow based on margin over meal to aid breeding decisions. On most farms it has resulted in a lower concentrate feed level, this encourages the cow to eat more at the feed fence and produce more milk from forage, which costs 90% less than meal. This in turn gives the cow a more balanced diet with firmer manure, good body condition and better fertility.

Depending on stage of lactation, cow type etc. some farmers also see an increase in milk solids, especially butterfat. Yields generally hold or even increase depending on previous feeding strategy. The system will help improve milk from forage and therefore profitability provided health, management and nutrition are optimal and forage quality and consistency are excellent.

Feed Optimiser is a unique feature on the new Lely Astronaut Horizon robot and farm management software that will be available in 2021. Contact Lely Center Eglish on 02837548228 for more information.