Unique feeding system requires less management

When AFGRI Animal Feeds brought the Kempen feeding system for dairy cows to South Africa in 2009, it was aimed mainly at farmers who use total mixed rations (TMRs). While it worked very well initially, AFGRI later learned an expensive lesson.

- Izak Hofmeyr

According to SP Els, national ruminant specialist at AFGRI Animal Feeds, the main reason for this had to do with the quality of roughage and management. He believes customers completely underestimated the level of management the system requires.

“Customers gradually rejected the system. Some of their reasons included a reduction in butterfat, acidosis and bloating. This caused a decline in production and losses,” he says.

Success on grazing

In contrast, some customers found the system to be quite successful when used on grazing. Unfortunately, the so-called ‘Kempen pellets’ eventually became too expensive. This can be attributed to the declining milk price in 2017 and rising feed costs. Many customers have since stopped using the system.

SP believes these setbacks do not discount the value of the system when used under the right conditions. “The system definitely has merit, especially in grazing areas where farmers want to increase their quotas from February to May. The Kempen system can increase production by 15 to 20%. The system is also extremely valuable for farmers who experience a cyclical grazing and roughage shortage.”

In addition, it can successfully remedy a negative energy balance, which is a constant challenge on any dairy farm. This increases dry matter intake at the start of lactation. Cows, therefore, remain in good condition throughout lactation. This improved energy balance, combined with a more stable body condition, leads to improved cow health and fertility.

“Trials conducted in the Western Cape show that cows do very well on the system, especially during the first 30 to 40 days of lactation. Afterward, they can be moved back onto the normal feeding system. This approach works equally well in a TMR system and on grazing,” he explains.