DairyTalk 443: Which calves adapt quickly to automatic feeders - and how farms can identify them early - by Helmut Demmelhuber

DairyTalk by Helmut Demmelhuber · May 24, 2026 · 23m

This podcast episode is based on a scientific study examining how calf behavior can predict successful adaptation to automatic milk feeding systems. The findings show that calves which learn the system successfully display distinct feeding patterns and higher rewarded visits within the first days of training. Importantly, drinking speed proved to be a weak indicator, while milk intake and successful station use provided far more reliable signals. The discussion highlights how farms could use behavioral monitoring to identify struggling calves earlier and reduce labor associated with manual…