How do I define the spreading and limits of feed when using a Farm Management Program?

Define the spreading

The feed amounts that are defined in the feed plans indicate 1 total feed amount for 24 hours. To make sure that the cows can be fed small portions at frequent periods, periods need to be defined in Nedap Velos. The number of periods determines the amount of feed that is distributed every release period.

When you use a Farm Management Program, the spreading must also be defined in Nedap Velos.

1. Go to Settings > Feeding > Feed plans.
2. Click on the feed plan for which you want to define the spreading.
3. Go to the tab Spreading.
4. Fill in the following data:
   – Cycle time: The cycle time determines the spreading of the daily feed total by selecting the total hours per day where upon the number of periods is based. A short cycle time causes that cows have to come more often to the feed station.
   – Number of periods: The cycle time is divided into a number of periods, each period gets a new feed balance.
   – Release period: This number determines the amount of feed each release period contains. It must be the same number of periods, or lower. So the total daily feed amount will be divided by the number filled in at the release period.
   – Take over feed balance: By activating this option the feed balance (todays rest) is taken to the next daily feed amount (after next feed start).

Common spreading examples are:

• When cows remaining in the buildings:
  – Cycle time: 24 hour
  – Number of periods: 6
  – Release periods: 5

  
  

  Period	1	2	3	4	5	6
  Time	10:00	14:00	18:00	22:00	02:00	06:00
  Feed 1 (8kg)	1,6kg	1,6kg	1,6kg	1,6kg	1,6kg	Rest

Or;

– Cycle time: 12 hour

– Number of periods: 3

– Release periods: 2

• When cows also go outside:
  – Cycle time: 24 hour
  – Number of periods: 4
  – Release periods: 3

  
  

  Period	1	2	3	4
  Time	10:00	16:00	22:00	04:00
  Feed 1 (8kg)	2,7kg	2,7kg	2,6kg	Rest
  Feed 2 (3kg)	1,0kg	1,0kg	1,0kg	Rest

Caution

The default value of Max. period amount is 2,5 kg. In example C this should be changed to at least 3,7 kg. Otherwise not all feed will be dispensed.

Caution

When too much feed is transferred from one cycle to the other, the risk of overfeeding arises. This can be prevented by setting up a maximum take over.

Define the limits

With the option Limits it is possible to control the way how cows are being fed. The cow can be prevented from consuming too much or not enough feed in one period. Limits are set per feed type.

1. Go to Settings > Feeding > Feed plans.
2. Click on the feed plan for which you want to define the limits.
3. In the feed plan, select the tab Limits.
4. Fill in the following data:

   – Feed speed: Determines the interval between two portions dosed in the concentrate feeder. The default feed speed is 300 g/min.

   – Max. take over: Prevents a too high amount of feed taken to the next daily feed amount (after next feed start), when this option is turned on. The default max. take over is 0.

   – Max. increase/decrease per day: Prevents sudden high changes in the calculated daily feed amount. The default max. increase/decrease is 1 kg.

   – Min. period amount: Avoids several visits caused by spreading feed for cows with a low daily feed amount. The default min. period amount is 1 kg.

   – Max. period amount: Protects a cow from consuming too much feed in one period. The default max. period amount is 2,5 kg.

Caution

Max. increase/decrease per day and Max. period amount are very important to avoid a too quick increase and danger of overfeeding the cow. The Max. increase/decrease per day setting overrules big increases or decreases of a feed amount in a feed plan!