At the Mazzoleni trial and research farm, the team are always looking for ways to improve efficiency, animal performance, and cost-effectiveness - including in feeding livestock.

The decision to install the Lely Vector automated feeder on the farm was driven by the need for labour savings, precision feeding, and increased throughput - and the results speak for themselves.

One of the key advantages of the Lely Vector is its ability to integrate seamlessly into existing farm infrastructure.

The installation required minimal yard modifications and, once operational, the system’s user-friendly interface made daily management effortless.

The automated feeding process ensures that animals receive a balanced and consistent diet with minimal manual input, allowing for real-time adjustments as needed.

Switching to automated feeding has significantly reduced labour demands.

What previously took three to five hours a day is now handled in just 45 minutes, freeing up valuable time for farm management and herd oversight.

The low daily running cost (approx. €9 in electricity) makes it a cost-effective long-term investment, while the feed-to-appetite approach reduces waste and ensures that every kilogram of feed is fully utilised.

These efficiencies are particularly valuable when focusing on optimising feed conversion and herd performance.

With consistent, round-the-clock feeding, cattle are achieving:

Improved feed conversion efficiency;
Increased daily live weight gain (DLWG) (+0.2kg per day);
Shorter finishing periods (by up to 10 days);
Uniform growth and finishing across the herd.

The Lely Vector’s detailed nutritional reporting has also provided new insights, allowing for targeted adjustments in feed programmes to ensure optimal performance and maximum dry matter intakes at every stage for every individual batch of animals.

The precision and consistency of the Lely Vector have provided the ideal platform for Mazzoleni Ireland to trial advanced nutrition strategies.

The system’s ability to deliver precise rations has supported the introduction of innovative feed solutions, including:

BioCell Live Yeast – A newly launched, registered live yeast strain, meticulously developed from Italian grapes through a multi-million-euro investment. With exceptional oxygen-scavenging properties, the trial has revolutionised rumen stability, digestion, and feed efficiency on the farm, setting a new benchmark for performance.
Tailored Minerals – Precision-formulated blends engineered and refined on farm to optimise rumen function, enhance microbial balance, and drive superior feed conversion, ensuring maximum growth, health, and efficiency in beef and dairy animals.

By combining cutting-edge automation with expert nutritional strategies, we continue to see sustained improvements in live weight gains, finishing times, and cost-efficient feeding.

The Lely Vector has transformed the way the Mazzoleni trial and research farm feeds its herd, delivering labour savings, cost efficiencies, and measurable performance gains.

For those considering the move to automated feeding, the results speak for themselves - a more efficient, data-driven approach that ensures better outcomes for both farmers and livestock.