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COLE N A - 6209-05-35 |
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Submitted to: Intake of Feedlot Cattle Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 3/21/1995 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: The purpose of this manuscript was to review equipment commercially available for researchers to monitor individual feed intake in group-fed cattle and to control feed intake in individually-fed cattle and sheep. Equipment capable of monitoring feed intake in group-fed animals include the Pinpointer, Calan Headgates, and the Alfa-Laval systems. The Alfa- Laval system is designed primarily for use in commercial dairies and has several draw-backs which limit its usefulness for research studies. The Calan Headgate and Pinpointer systems each have advantages and disadvantages. The "optimal" system will be dependent upon the goals and objectives of the research, finances, and availability of labor, etc. If animals are properly trained and the equipment is properly maintained, research using these systems will produce results similar to studies using bunk-fed cattle. At least two companies (Ankom and Russ, Ltd.) produce equipment for timed feeding of individual animals. The Ankom system has greater feed capacity and a lower price when multiple systems are purchased. Technical Abstract: A number of different systems are currently commercially available to researchers for monitoring and/or controlling feed intake in individual or group fed ruminants. Each system has advantages and disadvantages. Thus, the optimal system will be dependent upon the goals and objectives of the research, finances, and availability of labor, etc. |
