Dairy producers switching to Lely’s Vector automated feeding system or using an existing installation can equip themselves with a comprehensively upgraded mixer-feeder to save time or serve more cattle.

The Vector system is designed to provide animal groups with fresh and precisely mixed rations based on their needs.

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It comprises a “feed kitchen” where ingredients such as silage, hay and similar fodder are stored in bunkers and extracted by an overhead grab to be dropped into the MFR robotic vertical tub mixer-feeder.

A single stainless steel auger and – if needed – automatically engaged counter knife handle the mixing process before the MFR navigates a pre-determined route to each cattle building using inductive and/or ultrasound sensors.

As it trundles along the passage, a stainless steel rotating skirt pushes previously dispensed feed up to the barrier and measures its height to calculate intake and when the next feeding round should take place.

Compared with its predecessor, the Vector MFR Next has 35% more load capacity, at 800kg, enabling the machine to make fewer journeys to feed the same number of cattle or to feed a larger herd; 800 or more cattle, says Lely.

Other updates include a strengthened battery-electric drivetrain enabling the MFR to tackle steeper yard gradients up to 8%, the installation of work lights front and rear to operate reliably in dark barns, new electronics and operational software, and a renewed Lely Control+ mobile device app.