History:

Outside feeding system via turning wall is originally based on an agricultural architecture competition hold in Finland 1998, where some kind of rising wall to feed the cows from outside was developed. After competition idea was devoleped more and in year 2000 two first outside feeding barns were built. After seeing the system in use, many farmers started to be interested about it. First outside feeding barns were normally 3 row barns for 40-100 cows with feeding bunk only in the other side, typically warm buidings with mechanical ventilation.

During years system became more popular, and in 2002 first barn with outside feeding in both sides was built. Right now there is about 100-130 dairy barns with outside feeding in use in Finland, sizing  from 40 to 360 cows. In winter 2009 first outside feeding barn was taken into use in Denmark, 280 cows with robotic milking.

In autumn 2009 first new design feed wall was taken into use in Finland and in spring 2010 in Sweden. Mechanism is different, more simple and robust. Main functional difference is that new design feed wall can be opened also outwards for summer ventilation. Birdnet can be added to ths system too. Feed wall is turned with hydraulic syliders.

New design feed wall has patent pendings in Europe, United States, Canada and Russia.

Background of the outsidefeeding

Points:

No feed pushing... read more from under
No feed refusal...
No dirty to feed...
Cow-comfort issues...
Robotic milking layout... read more

No feed pushing

Naturally there is no need for feed pushing or cleaning work compared to flat feed table. Outside feeding farms feed normally once a day. Normal practice is so that they feed every 24 hour, goal is to try to have bunk empty about an hour. Ocassionally new feed is put over the old and this seems not to be a problem. The lack of pushing and cleaning work saves a lot of time and costs.