Sept. 7 2018 09:38 AM

Launch of the Improved Lely Vector

The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.

Today, Lely is launching the improved mixing and feeding robot (MFR) for the Lely Vector automatic feeding system. The system is now even more focused on improving animal health. Reliability and service life have also been increased through upgrading to even more durable components, such as stainless steel for the mixing bin and auger.

These improvements are the next step in the development of automatic feeding, which has led to Lely bringing a full-fledged and proven mixing and feeding robot to the market. This to make livestock farms future-proof across the globe.

Reliable and durable

The Lely Vector is more durable due to changing some of the materials used in key parts. For example, stainless steel is used for the mixing bin and auger, and the bumper is now galvanised and completely redesigned for extra safety and less risk of damage. These changes have increased the resistance of the Lely Vector to effects caused by feed and weather.

Easy maintenance

Thanks to the input of Lely engineers, the machine has been designed to make maintenance easier and quicker in many aspects, with the drive and electrical

components being much more accessible. In addition, it is now easier for the farmer to carry out preventative work on the MFR.

Animal health

A better distribution of the knives and the constant rotational speed of the auger means the ration is now consistently mixed and balanced. This increases feed intake and reduces the herd's ability to select feed. A magnet has also been added to the MFR to remove metal particles from the feed.

The improvements are based on experiences acquired since the introduction of the Lely Vector in 2012, and through collaboration with customers worldwide.

Automatic feeding

Since the introduction of the Lely Vector, more than 500 livestock farmers worldwide now feed their dairy and/or beef cattle with the automatic feeding system. This not only saves them time, it means healthier cows and more insights into feed intake, feed costs and milk production.

Availability

The Lely Vector is part of a new lineup of products being offered by Lely, including the Lely Astronaut A5 automatic milking system, Lely Juno automatic feed pusher and the Lely Luna cow brush. Live milking and feeding demonstrations will take place at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, September 11-13, 2018. All new products will also be available at the World Dairy Expo, October 2-6, 2018.

About the Lely Group Lely, founded in 1948, is working towards a long-term, enjoyable and profitable future in the agricultural sector. The company develops high-quality robots and data systems, which put the cow first, and are designed to improve animal welfare as well as the flexibility and productivity of dairy farms.

Lely has been a leader for more than 25 years in the worldwide sale and service of automated systems to successive generations of dairy farmers. Lely is continually inspiring its employees to offer customers innovative solutions, and act as trusted partners for long-term advice and support. The Lely Group, which employs some 1,200 people, has its head office in Maassluis and a worldwide network of dedicated Lely Center branches in more than 40 countries offering sales and tailored services. For more information, please visit www.lely.com.