Head of EuroTier Innovation Award Jury
Technical University of Munich
Taking place 12-15 November in Hanover, Germany, EuroTier is the world’s leading platform for innovations in livestock solutions for cattle, pig and poultry farming. The exhibition, which has more than 2,100 exhibitors, also presents innovative feed concepts as well as international feed products and feeding systems. EuroTier is organized by the DLG (German Agricultural Society), a non-profit organization that aims to further practical farm knowledge among farmers.
For the coveted EuroTier Innovation Awards, DLG has appointed an independent jury to evaluate the livestock innovations that have been registered for an innovation award.
The winning solutions – four gold and 21 silver medals – reflect the key trends in livestock farming today and many are in the feed area.
Awards won in the feeding area include:
EuroTier gold medal:
The innovation CalfGPT from Förster-Technik enables voice-controlled, AI-aided data management in the care of calves for the first time and therefore makes calf management, including feeding, significantly easier.
Use of the CalfGPT application via in-ear headphones simplifies operation on the farm. Users can obtain a specific digital overview of their calf groups during other activities in the barn, such as littering or feeding, which saves time and can be achieved ‘hands-free’.
EuroTier Silver medals:
Zinpro® IsoFerm® is a blend of branched-chain, volatile fatty acids whose unpleasant odour has been masked and which can therefore be used as a feed supplement. Depending on a cow’s metabolic situation, increased fibre digestion and protein synthesis in the rumen are possible, which is reflected in an increase in the milk yield and improved animal health.
The Siloking heavy-duty magnet, which is installed in a housing, can be removed together with the adhering foreign bodies from the feed mixer wagon and the foreign bodies can therefore be removed with significantly less risk of injury.
The Urban SipControl monitors key feeding process parameters for calves and automatically adapts the length and flow rate to the individual animal during the drinking process.
The ‘Easyfill’ feeding bucket lid produced by HIKO makes hygienic calf feeding easier, even when using a MilkTaxi, and significantly reduces the entry of dirt and flies.
Rodents are a well-known problem, as they not only consume stored grain and animal feed, but can also contaminate it, causing potential diseases. HyCare Digital from MS Schippers combines tried-and-tested methods of rodent deterrence with a digital success and reporting structure, and therefore enables targeted, documented rodent management without placing an unnecessary strain on nature and the environment.
The innovations can be seen at EuroTier 2024.
KEY TECHNICAL TRENDS RELATED TO FEED
Robotics On the Rise Internationally
The use of robots is prevalent in livestock farming in Europe, intensified by AI. A main aspect is the use of robots to reduce the workload, helping to compensate for labour scarcity. An increase in work efficiency and quality can be observed.
As part of EuroTier 2024, the “Barn Robot Event” feed pushing robots for dairy housing will be presented. In a dedicated area in Hall 13 visitors will be able to learn how automatic feed pushers can support cattle farmers in their work.
Improvement of Emission – Feeding Solutions
One goal that is traditionally pursued intensively in feeding is to minimise the emission of environmentally relevant substances like nitrogen and phosphorus. In addition to classic approaches such as optimising the amino acid composition of the ration, using suitable enzyme supplements or employing efficient probiotics, ration components with particularly high availability or digestibility, could make an important contribution in the future. The minimisation of the emission of greenhouse gases such as methane must also be considered when thinking about “environmentally relevant excrement” in cattle feeding. This field continues to develop steadily. In the area of Methane-reducing additives, further products appear to be reaching market maturity.
Technological Trends in Pig Farming
The nutritional condition of the sows is an important factor for the economic success of a piglet producer. In this case, advanced systems for automated condition assessment can enable customised feeding. The goal is to improve the well-being of sows and reduce piglet losses by further developing the floor surfaces of farrowing pens and evolving exercise and free-range pens. There have also been developments in the area of feeding technology, such as in dry feeding and portion feeding systems, as well as in feeding systems for suckling piglets, where these are designed to ensure improved hygiene.
Technological Trends in Dairy Farming
Closed housing with flexible boxes and pen partitions for single, double and group housing offer new opportunities for greater animal welfare, efficiency and also acceptance by consumers and politicians. In the field of automation, automatic feeding will become more of a focus, as it has a great deal of potential. Sensor technology, especially in the area of intelligent, camera-based animal monitoring, and the resulting possibilities, offer further options for herd management that can be used to optimise quality milk production.
Technological Trends in Poultry Farming Include “Larvae Snack Bars”
Poultry farmers are currently facing a number of challenges: further improvement in animal welfare and animal health.
An improved rearing aviary and the combination of a laying aviary with a rearing aviary can ensure greater animal welfare for laying hens. The welfare of the chicks is also considered. For example, a larvae snack bar is designed to keep the animals occupied while providing them with high-quality protein.
INHOUSE FARMING – FEED & FOOD SHOW EXPLORES ALTERNATIVE FEED
At EuroTier the Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Show has several highlights relating to feeding, including the focus on insects.
How does the automated breeding of insects as high-quality protein feed work on the farm? How can this be used to realise circular economy approaches? What are the challenges of industrially breeding insects as a food source? Exhibitors and experts explore these questions in Hall 24.
EuroTier 2024 has more than 2100 exhibitors across 13 halls, including three halls dedicated to animal health and feed solutions.
