Lely Vector | Mazzoleni Ireland Trial Farm | Beef Unit in Munster

Описание: At the Mazzoleni Research Farm, innovation is at the core of their efforts to enhance farm efficiency, optimize animal performance, and improve cost-effectiveness. The decision to install the Lely Vector was driven by the need for labor savings, precision feeding, and increased throughput—and the results have been remarkable.

One of the standout features of the Lely Vector at Mazzoleni Research Farm is its ability to integrate seamlessly into existing infrastructure. "The installation required minimal yard modifications, and once it was up and running, the system made daily management incredibly easy," says Conor Molloy, Director of Mazzoleni Ireland. With minimal manual input, the automated feeding system ensures animals receive a balanced and consistent diet, while allowing for real-time adjustments. “It’s simple to manage—it’s a reliable feeding system, with the flexibility to make adjustments as needed.”

The transition to automated feeding has significantly reduced the farm's labor demands. "What used to take 3–5 hours of manual labor each day now takes just 45 minutes," explains Conor Molloy. "This has freed up valuable time for more strategic farm management and overseeing herd performance."

The Lely Vector is also impressively cost-effective. “It costs about €9 a day in electricity,” Conor Molloy adds. "Given the savings in labor and feed efficiency, it’s a long-term investment that pays for itself." The system’s feed-to-appetite approach reduces waste while ensuring every kilogram of feed is fully utilized, boosting feed conversion efficiency and contributing to better herd performance.

Since the introduction of the Lely Vector, the Mazzoleni Research Farm has seen remarkable improvements in animal performance. “The system has greatly enhanced feed conversion efficiency,” Conor Molloy says. “We’re seeing a daily live weight gain of 0.2 kg per day, which, when you factor in herd size, adds up to a significant improvement.”

The system has also reduced finishing times. "We’ve managed to shorten finishing periods by up to 10 days, which has increased our throughput by 15%—without the need for additional sheds or infrastructure," he adds. This has resulted in more uniform growth and finishing across the herd, optimizing production outcomes.

Furthermore, the Lely Vector provides detailed nutritional reporting, which has enabled the farm to fine-tune its feed programs. "The insights from the nutritional data are invaluable," Conor Molloy explains. "We can make precise adjustments to ensure optimal dry matter intake for each batch of animals, maximizing their performance at every stage of growth."

For the Mazzoleni Research Farm, the Lely Vector has been a game-changer, streamlining feeding processes, improving animal performance, and significantly reducing labor costs. “We expect to see a return on investment within three years, but with its efficiency and long-term reliability, the benefits will likely continue for much longer,” concludes Conor Molloy. With its seamless integration, low maintenance, and precision feeding capabilities, the Lely Vector is setting a new standard for automated feeding systems in modern farming.