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How to Keep Your Calves Healthy Through Summer: Feeding & Hydration Tips with the Förster-Technik Feeder 2025

As temperatures rise, so do the challenges of keeping calves hydrated, well-fed, and thriving. Summer heat can impact appetite, increase the risk of dehydration, and add pressure on staff during already busy farming months. But with the right feeding systems in place—like the Förster-Technik automatic calf feeder and the innovative CalfRail—you can give your calves the best start while saving time and boosting productivity.

Why Automatic Feeding Makes a Difference

At the heart of successful summer calf care is consistency, and that’s exactly what the Förster-Technik feeder delivers. Available in the VARIO smart for large-scale herds or the COMPACT smart for smaller groups, this system automatically mixes and dispenses milk at the ideal temperature, ensuring every calf receives the correct volume at the right time.

By removing human error and offering 24/7 availability, calves feed when they’re ready—especially important in warmer weather when intake patterns can shift. The built-in software monitors individual consumption and highlights any drop in feeding behaviour early, giving you peace of mind and prompt alerts to potential issues.

Introducing the Förster-Technik CalfRail: The Future of Individual Feeding

For farms managing larger numbers of calves, the CalfRail offers an intelligent and fully automated solution. This track-mounted robotic arm delivers freshly prepared milk or milk replacer directly to each calf in hutches or pens. It stops at each station, feeds individually based on pre-programmed quantities, and even records each calf’s intake.

Why farmers love the CalfRail:

  • Individualised feeding for up to 64 calves per rail
  • Consistent hygiene and automatic cleaning after each feeding round
  • Massive labour savings during peak rearing periods
  • Reduced stress and competition between calves

The CalfRail integrates seamlessly with the Förster-Technik feeder, forming a complete, intelligent system that scales effortlessly with your herd size.

see it here https://www.foerster-technik.com/

Don’t Forget Hydration: Electrolytes & Summer Support

Even the best feeding system needs support during hot spells or when calves show signs of stress or scours. That’s where calf electrolyte products come into play. We stock a carefully selected range designed to complement automated feeding systems:

  • Life-Guard Calf Electrolyte Sachets – a reliable option for supporting rehydration during and after scours. These water-soluble powders help maintain fluid balance and replenish essential salts.
  • RehydroGEL Calf Electrolyte Liquid – easy to administer in water or alongside milk feeds, this is ideal for hydration support during heatwaves or mild digestive upsets.

Feeding Accessories to Complete Your Setup

We offer a full range of calf feeding equipment to support both automated and manual feeding strategies, including:

  • Förster-Technik Teaching Pump – ideal for accurate calibration and consistent dosing
  • Powder-Funnel Doser – ensures precise, mess-free milk powder delivery
  • Agrihealth Calf Feeding Buckets with Teats – great for transitional feeding or backup use
  • Durable spare teats, valves, and cleaning aids – to keep your system running smoothly

All are available on our website and selected to work in harmony with Förster-Technik systems and your day-to-day needs.

A Typical Summer Calf Feeding Routine

  1. Set it up: Program your Förster-Technik feeder (and CalfRail if in use) with individual feeding plans. Use the HygieneBox and automated cleaning to keep lines spotless.
  2. Track behaviour: Let the system flag calves with declining intake. Early alerts mean faster interventions.
  3. Stay ahead of hydration: Use electrolyte gels or sachets during heatwaves or early signs of digestive stress.
  4. Support with basics: Always provide fresh water, shade, and a clean environment.

Why Farmers Trust Mill Dairy Service

At Mill Dairy Service, we don’t just supply top-of-the-range equipment—we support farmers with installation, advice, and a hands-on understanding of what calf rearing looks like on the ground. Whether you’re feeding five calves or five hundred, our solutions—from the smart feeder to the CalfRail—are designed to grow with your farm.

Let’s Build Your Feeding Setup

Looking to modernise your calf feeding system or upgrade for the summer? Get in touch with our team today to discuss how the Förster-Technik range—paired with our full line of hydration products and accessories—can transform your calf-rearing strategy.

https://www.milldairyservice.co.uk/cattle-and-calving-products/calf-feeding

📞 Call us on 01603 898963
🌐 Visit: www.milldairyservice.co.uk