Automatic feeders are available for hire or purchase. Each can automatically feed groups of up to 50 calves or 70 lambs at a time, dramatically reducing workload required for mixing and feeding calves or lambs. However, a high level of management skill is still essential.
For calf feeding, the machine should be set to mix at 40°C, to provide mixed milk at the teat at approximately 37°C. The machine should be cleaned daily and calibrated regularly.
For lamb feeding, milk may be offered warm (39C/102F) on a restricted basis during the early training period. However, once suckling from the teat on an adlib basis, the milk temperature should be reduced to 18-20C/ 66-70F, to reduce the risk of health problems caused by over consumption. The machine should be cleaned daily and calibrated regularly.
