CalfProtect – An Active System against Cross-Sucking

„CalfProtect“ is a cost-effective extension for feeding stations intended to prevent calves from cross-sucking after feeding. Those feeding stations connected to an automatic feeder from Förster-Technik can be equipped with this device. Compared to other systems, with “CalfProtect“ the animals are not hindered when entering the feeding station. This is of particular importance during the accustoming period. „CalfProtect“ is intended for farms having problems with cross-sucking due to e.g. race or deficiencies in the housing system.

„CalfProtect“ consists of a grating gate that is automatically closed by a pressure cylinder when an entitled animal entered the feeding station. How long the gate should remain closed, is freely selectable. The animal however only stays in the station until a sense of saturation is achieved thus considerably reducing the motivation to suckle and avoiding cross-sucking shortly after feed intake.

„CalfProtect“ also prevents stronger calves from sucking the rear extremities of younger and therefore often weaker calves during feeding.

„CalfProtect“ is designed in such a way that the animals can easily see the teat through the grating gate of the shut-off mechanism. This is an important prerequisite particularly for those young calves that should get accustomed to the automatic feeder.