'It helps keep things calm in the cowshed'

Dairy farmer Mark van den Boogaard runs a dairy farm in Finsterwolde (NL) with 350 cows. When he built a new cowshed about 11 years ago, he invested in his first robot: the JOZ manure robot. Later on, he added 2 feed pusher robots. “Automation creates routine and calmness, and that benefits both the cows and me.”

Cleaner floors, cleaner cows

Building a new cowshed gave Mark an opportunity to think about the best way of keeping the floors clean. “A manure scraper is one obvious solution, but we were worried that it might adversely affect cows’ hooves. We liked the manure robot because it seemed to offer a better alternative that would benefit cows. Since installation, we’ve noticed that there’s less muck on the floor and that the cows are cleaner.That means, in turn, cleaner milking equipment.”

‘The cows always have access to fresh feed’

Fresh feed available at all time thanks to the Moov Pro feed pusher

Mark was so pleased with the manure robot that he decided to further automate the feeding process with JOZ solutions 2 years ago. The cowshed layout has 6 rows of cubicles in the centre where cows can lie down, and 2 side aisles for feeding, so feed is pushed 24/7 by 2 Moov Pros on the sides.

“I decided I wanted an automatic feeding system because I wanted to keep the cows active at night. However, I didn’t want to feed cows at night myself, so the feed pusher robot was a great solution. The feed is now automatically moved in small portions, so cows always have access to fresh feed. In addition, all the cows are served in this way, and they can take turns at the feed fence.”

That benefits both the cows and Mark personally. “I can work more accurately. The feed is continually offered to the cows, including at night, which reduces leftover feed to a minimum. Feeding at set times also helps keep things calm in the cowshed. Cows like routine, but it can be difficult to maintain the discipline needed to ensure such a routine. Now I know that it’s all taken care of, which is great.”   

Really easy

The JOZ manure robot was replaced about 2 years ago by a new version. “The new version works very well, we haven’t had any problems at all so far. Once the route is set, you can just forget about it and let it get on with its work. We also have good contacts with the dealer from Germany just across the border, so if there are problems, an engineer can be on hand quickly.”