Normally a huge attendance event, this year's EuroTier show, in Hanover, was a very different event and was held entirely on-line. Chris McCullough trawled through the exhibits at the animal husbandry exhibition to find the latest technology and equipment on offer.

Previously scheduled for November, 2020, EuroTier was postponed until February, 2021 and then subsequently held as a virtual event due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.

During early February, visitors were able to attend EuroTier virtually via its online platform to see some of the latest innovations and technology for the animal husbandry sector. Exhibitors lined up their products and were live on the website to explain each one in detail.

The next EuroTier is scheduled to, hopefully, be a physical event in Hanover from November 15-18, 2022.

Calf monitoring tech wins EuroTier welfare award

Futuro Farming GmbH, Regensburg won the award for its Calf Monitoring System

Futuro Farming GmbH, Regensburg won the award for its Calf Monitoring System

NEW sensor technology that can detect diseases in calves has won the 'Animal Welfare Award' at the virtual show.

Futuro Farming, Regensburg, won the award for its calf monitoring system. By means of continuous calf monitoring and speedy feedback to the farmer, it enables effective health monitoring for each individual calf in the population.

The early warning system for calf diseases detects outbreaks of disease up to three days in advance and can be used from day one for calves kept individually.

A sensor is attached to each calf igloo/box for individual housing, which records the behaviour of the calves. The sensor system sends this data to the servers, where an algorithm evaluates the calves’ data and identifies calves that are susceptible to disease.

These abnormalities are sent to the farmer’s smartphone via app who then receives real-time notifications so that they can treat calves as early as possible.

Pig weighing crate introduced

A new pig weighing crate made by Germany company Meier-Brakenberg

A new pig weighing crate made by Germany company Meier-Brakenberg

A new pig weighing crate made by Germany company, Meier-Brakenberg, was on display at EuroTier.

Called the WA21, this individual animal weighing machine speeds up the sorting of fattening pigs by means of four optionally adjustable target weights.

Sorting fattening pigs before sale is economically necessary to comply with slaughter protocols. This work can be time-consuming and a stress on the animals.

In order to minimize the amount of work, pigs are usually pre-sorted with respect to several sales dates by using the individual animal weighing machine.

As soon as the animal has entered the WA21 scale, the identification colour lights up that is preset for the specific weight. The machine then automatically spray marks that pig in the same colour to make it easier for the farmer to identify.

Depending on weight, animals are marked with different colours for different sales dates. For this purpose, the farmer must decide which colour is the correct marker for which weight after each and every weighing process. Errors are pre-programmed, especially if target weights change frequently in varying market conditions and/or with changing personnel.

With the new sorting function, this train of thought becomes redundant and animals can be marked directly with the marking colour indicated on the display.

Target weights are pre-set on the display for up to four sales dates. This way, even changing personnel can sort without mistakes and without consultation or transmission errors.

As for the selection of the marking spray colour, it is no longer the weight display that is of interest, but only the displayed colour. Changes of target weights can be made at any time, for example by the operations manager, without the user having to reorient himself.

Due to the significantly accelerated weighing process, the manufacturer said the new WA21 could save 25% of weighing time.

More working comfort during weighing is achieved by an additional wheel and the new secure holder for four colour sprays. Three front-mounted wheels allow the unit to be moved easily even in narrow stables and corridors.

The four colour sprays are safely accessible in the holder in any position, even when the scale is in vertical position. A reverse function drives the animal backwards off the scales without stress. To the front, the remote control gate ensures that the animal can leave easily.

The scale is equipped with impact and water resistant weighing beams that are protected against external influences. For perfect ergonomics during weighing, optimised handles with a protective bar provide for perfect handling.

Superflex manure spreader series

FARMTECH in Slovenia introduced its completely redesigned new range of Superflex manure spreaders

FARMTECH in Slovenia introduced its completely redesigned new range of Superflex manure spreaders

FARMTECH from Slovenia introduced its completely redesigned new range of Superflex manure spreaders at EuroTier.

Initially, the company is launching a seven-tonne model of the Superflex 700 but larger Superflex models up to a total weight of 12 tonnes will be available in autumn, 2021.

The new Superflex is equipped with a powerful floor conveyor and stronger chains 11x31mm thick, as well as solid strips driven by a hydraulic motor. The floor of the conveyor is made of a 3mm thick sheet metal with Magnelis metal coating, which increases durability and corrosion resistance.

The lubrication points of the chain conveyor are pulled out and are, therefore, easier to maintain. The speed of the floor conveyor feed can be easily operated from the tractor cabin.

The new models feature the reliable robust spreading unit from the previous Superflex series in the standard vertical or optionally horizontal version. Sharp saw teeth on the rollers of the vertical spreading unit are made of Hardox steel.

The spreading disc drive is equipped with a simple overload protection device should the material throughput no longer be possible. The two fastening clamps on the frame provide a simple and user-friendly solution for mounting and dismounting the spreading unit.

Precision cattle feeding at a new level

Sieplo says its FEEDR makes it possible to match more closely the natural eating behaviour of the animals

Sieplo says its FEEDR makes it possible to match more closely the natural eating behaviour of the animals

DUTCH feed specialist, Sieplo, launched a new robot that has been developed to feed individual animals with precision.

Sieplo says its FEEDR makes it possible to match more closely the natural eating behaviour of the animals focusing on the needs of each individual animal.

This unmanned feeding robot travels to the feeding stations itself, mixes the forage into a homogenous mixture and distributes the feed in the stalls. Using the central computer or the practical FEEDR app, farmers can easily adjust feeding schedules and animal numbers.

With accurate insight into feed data farmers can optimise feed composition, identify health problems in the animals at an early stage and hopefully improve their returns.

It can feed livestock several times a day and easily vary the feed composition per round, even if there are large numbers of animals. Feeding more often increases the feed intake and reduces the amount of residual feed.

Inside the machine, vertical mixing augers ensure an aerated and homogeneous mixture. Thanks to the precise weighing system, farmers can dose exactly the desired feed quantity per pen.

The machine is fully electric and contains strong lithium batteries, which can last a long time and are charged automatically. The feeding robot is made of stainless steel and has a carbon brush-free motor, which makes maintenance costs low.

WingFree farrowing pen added

Schauer Agrotronic exhibited its new WingFree free farrowing pen

Schauer Agrotronic exhibited its new WingFree free farrowing pen

AUSTRIAN equipment manufacturer, Schauer Agrotronic, exhibited its new WingFree free farrowing pen. For the piglets, this latest pen offers optimal protection during the farrowing phase, especially in the first days of life.

The sow’s free-range moving area is easy to adjust by opening the two side wings of the crate. The benefits of this new WingFree pen are low walls for a good overview and high flexibility to install the free farrowing system to the short or long side of the pen.

The piglet nest can be offered as an open version and also with a combined cover and fixation option optionally.

Feeder mimics pigs' natural rummaging

Porky´s Strawtomat is the unit developed by Meier-Brackenberg to occupy pigs by releasing straw as roughage feeding

Porky´s Strawtomat is the unit developed by Meier-Brackenberg to occupy pigs by releasing straw as roughage feeding

A feeder that releases straw for the pigs to boost their natural rummaging behaviour was launched.

Porky's Strawtomat, developed by Meier-Brackenberg to occupy pigs by releasing straw as roughage feeding driven by their natural urge to rummage. Pigs make stars move that release individual stalks into a collecting tray.

The variable star arrangement and slide adjustment allow an adaptation to the product made available and the desired dosing quantity. This feeder is also designed to increase animal welfare as it occupies the pigs enough to prevent tail-biting, something that will be important in the future when tail-docking is phased out.

Porky's Strawtomat is filled with fresh straw and is triggered when the animals move two stars on the bottom of a trough bowl. By turning these stars, single stalks are brought forward and can be eaten by the animals.

Upside-down movements of the animals into the trough bowl support the species-typical behaviour. Permanent interest is ensured due to the rewarding effect in the form of releasing individual stalks.

In addition to straw, the Strawtomat can be used with numerous other fibrous materials, especially the use of dried corn silage which pigs are keen on.

The output is regulated via an adjustable opening. The star arrangement is optional and variable and the intelligent dosing mechanism, and ingenious high trough provide optimum stimulus for the animals, yet, also ensures that no stalks are lost, preventing clogged slurry channels.

The Strawtomat is installed to the pen’s separating wall or placed back-to-back in the middle of large pens. The durable box is completely made of stainless steel.

The large storage container of the Strawtomat can be filled manually or by a straw conveyor. The storage container has been specially designed for chain conveyor filling.

Lightweight boom wins silver medal

A lightweight slurry spreader boom produced by Moscha has won a silver innovation medal

A lightweight slurry spreader boom produced by Moscha has won a silver innovation medal

A lightweight slurry spreader boom produced by Moscha won a silver innovation medal at EuroTier.

This has a plastic pipe as a supporting construction element is characterised by its simple and, at the same time, extremely lightweight design.

Moscha achieves this by using covered plastic pipes instead of using metal, which significantly reduces the weight of the folding boom.

The precise spreading of liquid manure close to the ground with a drag hose or drag shoe attached to corresponding boom technology can also be used on lighter trailers requiring less tractive power and on more extensively contoured terrain.

Feeding calves made easy

Sapla showed farmers an easier method of feeding calves by using its new Lupetta Calf feeding unit

Sapla showed farmers an easier method of feeding calves by using its new Lupetta Calf feeding unit

ITALIAN company, Sapla, showed farmers an easier method of feeding calves by using its new Lupetta Calf feeding unit that incorporates smart technology.

This project was born for the research of an innovative feeding method that guarantees the wellbeing and a constant growth of the calf guiding the operator through the ideal feed curve of the animal.

Supply temperature, quantity supplied for every feed and time interval between feeds are among the settings that are adjustable by the user and recorded by the machine.

Feeding delays, suction speed and daily leftovers are the main factors analysed by the device to personalise the meal plan. The unit consists of a double-chamber plastic tank with a lid. Inside the chamber is a heating element, temperature gage and a level sensor.

The liquid supply system consists of a plastic teat for the animal, an electric valve for supply management and a recycling pump to keep the solution in suspension and to ease the discharge.

Calves are supplied one feed for every load, typically up to a maximum of two feeds per day. Lupetta is able to split up to six meals a day with a single load, which is close to the natural threshold of 12 small feeds.

The milk temperature can be freely set by the operator between 33 and 39°C.

An automatic washing function, once hot water and the specific cleanser are loaded, recycles the solution for a predetermined amount of time, and then discharges it automatically at the end of the cycle.

Fliegl's Dexter hoeing machines

Fliegl Agrartechnik from Germany has developed its new Dexter fertilizer hoeing machine

Fliegl Agrartechnik from Germany has developed its new Dexter fertilizer hoeing machine

DUE to an increase in appetite for organic produce the demand for mechanical weeding equipment has also been boosted.

In addition, the application of liquid manure in row crops, especially with maize, is also becoming important during the main growth phase in May and June.

Fliegl Agrartechnik from Germany has developed its new Dexter fertilizer hoeing machine that applies manure to the surface and carries out mechanical weed control.

For the 2021 season, Fliegl is offering six and eight-row hoeing devices (Dexter 6 and 8) for liquid manure incorporation. The new technology is equipped with the proven Fliegl screw distributor.

With regard to the hoeing tools, the company relies on a horizontal rotary hoe with high wear resistance. The rotating elements work reliably even with high levels of weeds and allow very close hoeing right up to the crop without damaging it.

The rotating blade units literally comb out the unwanted plants between the rows and cover the weeds that have grown in the row with fine soil.

To adjust the working depth, the inclination angle of the rotors can be adjusted in a few simple steps.

Complete incorporation of the liquid manure is also guaranteed, as the liquid manure is deposited in front of the hoeing elements. A chemical burn of the crop caused by possible manure residues is therefore excluded.

In their basic configuration, the hoeing devices are offered for a tank width of 2.25m. An additional camera-based plant recognition system can be installed as an option.

Dutch cow toilet wins gold medal

A cow toilet developed by Dutch company Hanskamp AgroTech BV won a Gold Medal for innovation

A cow toilet developed by Dutch company Hanskamp AgroTech BV won a Gold Medal for innovation

A cow toilet developed by Dutch company, Hanskamp AgroTech, was been awarded the only Gold Medal for innovations at Eurotier.

The Dutch are renowned for inventing some real wacky equipment for livestock but the latest one really has left farmers feeling a little bit ‘flushed.’ Based in Doetinchem, the innovative company Hanskamp has developed a cow toilet that collects urine in an effort to reduce ammonia and also acts as a feed station.

Cows produce 15 to 20 litres of urine per day and have a natural nerve reflex just above the udder that when rubbed causes them to immediately urinate. Hanskamp has developed this new CowToilet to automate this long-known technique to make a cow urinate just after it has finished feeding.

The CowToilet is placed against the cow's suspensory ligament and moves in unison with the cow. The technique locates the nerve, and once located, the nerve, which triggers the urinary reflex, is stimulated and the cow starts urinating.

The urine is collected in the CowToilet container and extracted through a suction line into a separate storage tank.

Cows go to and use the CowToilet voluntarily because each visit to the toilet is combined with the animals receiving their daily portion of feed.

A mobile 'caravan' for hens

The free=range p[ortable chicken caravan from Big Dutchman

The free=range p[ortable chicken 'caravan' from Big Dutchman

BIG Dutchman introduced its new mobile caravan for hens at EuroTier which will suit producers selling eggs directly to the public.

The Natura Caravan is a mobile housing system capable of housing 840 organic layers, or 1260 free-range layers and comes ready to be connected to water and electricity supplies.

The innovative system is based on a two-wheel trailer of standard dimensions, making it possible for a tractor unit to tow the trailer on public roads with no special permit required.

In the field, the lateral scratching areas only need to be opened and mounted and the house is ready to be used. It can be moved with the birds inside the house.

Inside the mobile house, the professional Natura Step aviary guarantees a high production reliability. The control unit and the manual collection table are located in a separate service room.

Natura Caravan has a thermally insulated structural shell and a closed floor, which stops emissions from penetrating the ground.

Automatic feeders keep the birds supplied with feed when required.

Barny the robot clears floor eggs

ROBOTS are always popular at EuroTier and Barny the hen persuader was no exception.

Developed by Big Dutchman the autonomous Barny robot navigates through the barn and encourages layers to move and use the nests for egg laying.

“Barny is in its beta test phase,” said product developer, Ludger Themann. “Our current results show that the robot can reduce the number of floor eggs by up to 75%.”

With an application for their tablet, Barny users can easily define the desired route and visit frequencies for locations where they typically find floor eggs. The route can be adjusted every day.

Barny works autonomously and also returns to the charging station called the PowerNest on its own. Both robot and charging station are robust and well-protected against dirt, liquids and dust. They can easily be cleaned with a high-pressure cleaner.

Big Dutchman said it would continue to develop the concept on different test farms in the coming months and create a product that is ready for serial production.

As Barny is a modular system, additional modules such as a camera or a cultivator for the litter are possible in the future.