Dr. Trevor DeVries: Feed Bunk Management | Ep. 27

Before we start thinking about formulating the most precise diet for our cows, we have to make sure that the feed is properly prepared and delivered to cows. In order to do that the right way, we have to understand the feeding behavior of cows. In this episode, Dr. Trevor DeVries discusses what drives cows to feel hungry, what the feeding frequency is, how we can identify the individual behavior of the animals at the feed bunk, the benefits of automatic systems, and the challenges of research on nutrition with automated milking systems.

“We don't want a cow to eat because they’ve been out of feed for so long that they’re hungry and need to do it right now – we want cows to be internally hungry.’’ – Dr. Trevor DeVries ‬

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (1:45)
• The access of cows to feed bunkers (6:00)
• Individual behavior at feed bunkers (11:00)
• How many times should we do feed push-ups? (15:00)
• Feed push-up technologies (26:24)
• Nutrition with robotic milking systems (31:42)
• Technological integration in feed management (38:53)
• The final questions (41:39)

Meet the guest: Dr. Trevor DeVries‬

Experience:

• Current: Professor and Canada Research Chair on Dairy Cattle Behavior and Welfare at the University of Guelph

Background:

• Ph.D., Epidemiology (The University of British Columbia)
• B.Sc.; Agriculture, Animal Sciences (The University of British Columbia)

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

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