Mobile Dac introduced at agricultural event

Last April, a mobile Dac was showcased at the Gaec du Puy de Manzagol in Corrèze during a demonstration day organized by the agricultural chamber and the company Hanskamp. The event aimed to address challenges related to a building that was too small and to improve the technical aspects of feeding livestock.

Farmers' interest in automated feeding

Sébastien Gourdoux and Damien Mouty had considered an automatic concentrate feeder (Dac) as early as August 2024 and purchased four used units for their farm. Their goal was to provide each cow with a precisely tailored ration based on individual needs, but the existing building was too small to accommodate the system effectively.

Adjustments and cost considerations

The farmers had initially planned to expand the building with a photovoltaic cover but abandoned the idea due to a drop in electricity prices, which made building a new structure too expensive. Their current feeding system relies on a semi-complete ration based on grass silage and corn, with corn provided year-round.

Discovery of a mobile Dac solution

Following an article in a livestock journal, Sébastien's father, Dominique, who is still actively involved on the farm, informed the young farmers about a mobile Dac from Hanskamp. The Dac was on display at the Livestock Summit, and the dealer Soubrier Besse Industrie in Murat, who was already maintaining their milking machine, helped facilitate the purchase.

Installation and practical adjustments

The mobile Dac arrived in pieces on a pallet and required assembly, which was handled by the seller. Several adjustments were needed, such as replacing a 3V battery that was too powerful and adding extra tubes to prevent cows from accessing certain areas. Sébastien noted that a larger tank would have been ideal and that a cover on the tank's side panels would help prevent feed from spilling.

Improved feeding system and benefits

The farmers switched to an electronic loop (FDX) system, which they do not regret. They mix a cereal-based feed with a nitrogen corrector and add propylene glycol to the ration. They give at least 500 g of feed daily to maintain the cows' habit of visiting the Dac. Sébastien noted that the cows recover better after calving and have seen improvements in milk quality and quantity.

Adaptability and efficiency of the Dac

The mobile Dac is described as a highly adaptable tool that can be used in both pasture and the farm courtyard. It operates on solar panels and requires no daily recharging, except when stored indoors. The tank can hold up to two tons of feed, reducing the need for frequent restocking and improving work comfort.

Cost comparison and savings

The Dac cost 37,000 euros, which is significantly less than the estimated 50,000 euros required to revise the building. Sébastien noted that the system has helped them save on feed costs and improve milk production, effectively amortizing the investment over time.

Limitations and rare usage

Patrick Ravier, a salesman at Hanskamp, highlighted that the use of corn meal can cause clogging in the Dac. He also noted that only five mobile Dacs are currently in use in France, with one located in Dordogne and another in Maine-et-Loire, as well as one at the Center for Innovation and Research on Red Meat Production from the Dairy Herd (Cirbeef).