Innovative New Approaches to Bucket Feeding
In 2005, Holm & Laue revolutionised bucket feeding with the invention of the Milk Taxi. Since then, carrying buckets has been a thing of the past, and every calf receives an optimally stirred mixture at the right temperature. Today, useful extras such as the electric drive, the remote-controlled dosing pump, the option to pasteurise and cool, hot water heating and the drenching probe for cows make the Milk Taxi an indispensable tool on modern dairy farms.
The newest generation, the Milk Taxi 4.0, is revolutionising bucket feeding once again.
The Milk Taxi now also enables reliable feeding and weaning based on age, which before was only possible with automatic feeders. It recognises every hutch and calculates the actual correct milk quantity for the calf! The Milk Taxi also knows the amount of milk required for the next feeding, and during the preparation, it already gradually produces the correct mixture, including fortifying whole milk. Mistakes and carelessness are no longer an issue. And the highlight: All of the feeding data can be permanently stored and accessed via tablet or PC at any time. As a result, errors in the feeding process can be localised and rectified immediately.
Easy Preparation
Many of the Milk Taxi’s benefits are not immediately noticeable: The fact that the milk powder is thoroughly stirred in seconds without any clumping or that whole milk is gently heated to make sure it doesn’t burn, surprises everyone who sees the Milk Taxi for the first time.
Powerful Floor-mounted Agitator
The 250-watt agitator thoroughly stirs any milk replacer in seconds, without any clumping. The agitator also supports the heating process by using short mixing intervals. IMPORTANT: These intervals are adjusted to the amount of milk. Since the agitator is mounted to the base, maximum operational safety is ensured and nothing gets in the way of cleaning the tank.
Gentle Heating
The Milk Taxi operates with a full-surface heating system. Unlike coil heaters, there are no "hotspots" where the milk can burn. The milk is thus quickly heated and the quality is preserved. The display keeps you continuously informed about the current temperature of the milk feed.
Time Control
Many functions, such as the heating and pasteurizing processes, can be programmed with the interval timer. Moreover, the intelligent cooling program only cools when the temperature of the liquid in the tank is too high, and then stops the cooling process in advance before the heating starts, in order to save energy costs.
Smart Mix
Many mistakes can be made during the preparation. Now, that is a thing of the past, because the new Milk Taxi now guides you step-by-step to the perfect mixture.
Mixing Calculator for Milk Replacers (CMR)
From now on, you only need to set the desired milk replacer concentration (percentage of dry matter content) and your scoop size one time. Then fill the Milktaxi up to the desired feeding quantity. The Smart-Mix adds the right amount of MR and tells you the required number of scoops for the CMR. Even the solubility of the CMR is taken into account, e.g. 20 kg of CMR dissolved in 100 l of water yield less than 120 l of milk (114 l). The Milk Taxi 4.0 automatically corrects this error.
Exact Filling Level Indication
The Milk Taxi automatically detects how much milk or water has already been filled into the tank and continuously shows the current fill level in the display.
Corrected dosage
If the tank of the Milchtaxis is filled with different levels, there will be slight deviations in the dosage quantities when pumping. The level sensor installed with the option Smart-Mix corrects this error automatically. This means that the dosage volume is always accurate, regardless of whether the tank is full or nearly empty.
Time switch with end times
Without Smart Mix you have to set the start times for heating and pasteurizing. Since Smart-Mix can calculate the duration of the heating and pasteurizing phases, you can now conveniently enter the desired feeding time. The Milktaxi then begins the heating program in good time.
Fortifying Whole Milk with Milk Replacer
And if you want to mix whole milk and milk replacer (CMR) together? What if your milk has a dry matter content percentage of 11.3%, but you need a total mixture of 13.5% dry matter content? Then the SmartMIX detects how much whole milk has been poured in and determines how much water and MR has to be added to obtain the required amount of milk in the desired concentration.
Better and Easier Feeding
The stored feeding quantities, the remote control with its up to 10m long hose, and the no-drip dosing device make the feeding process ultra easy.
Easy Dispensing
With 9 freely programmable dosing quantities, you can dispense almost any amount of food – without any annoying dripping. Furthermore, the handle is ergonomic and comfortably lightweight. Thanks to the integrated battery, you do not need a power supply to feed the calves. Therefore, particularly if individual calf hutches are used, you are completely free to select any feeding location, and can also feed calves in various areas.
Remote Control Operation
With the remote control on the dosing arm, you can easily and conveniently feed calves up to 10 m away from the Milk Taxi, without needing any cables. Of course, the quantities can also be individually adjusted on the dispensing arm.
Statistics Function
In the Milk Taxi’s display menu, you can monitor the most important work steps using a special statistics function. Every pasteurization cycle, every feeding and every cleaning is documented. A calendar feature also displays this information in a weekly format, thus allowing you to optimally monitor the workflows and processes on your farm.
Smart ID
When feeding the calves, you constantly ask the question: How old is the calf and how much milk does it get? Say goodbye to this task, because the MilkTaxi recognizes every
pen and the age of the calf!
Radio Frequency Identification of the Calf Pens
The MilkTaxi uses radio frequency identifi cation to detect each pen as it passes by, and the pen number is indicated in the display. The employee now only needs to choose the right feeding amount for the calf or the group of calves presses the release button and dispenses the milk into the bucket. The quantity fed to the calf will be registered and saved.
Intelligent Pen Management
Smart ID works for both individual and group pens. In the case of groups of calves, it displays how many calves are in the group and whether they are fed in individual buckets or via “teat bars”. In combination with the CalfGuide management program individual notes can be saved for individual pens. They will automatically pop up in the screen at the next feeding. In this way the employees will be informed by sick calves or other particular events. A tremendous improvement in working quality, especially when workers alternate.
Easy Transportation
The easy and convenient transportation of the milk has been THE decisive contribution to making our customers’ work easier for more than 10 years now.
Sturdy 4-wheel Chassis
Set on 4 wheels with a low centre of gravity, the Milk Taxi is extremely sturdy and stable. Even if it is driven fast, or on uneven ground and with a full load, it does not tilt over. With the 40 cm front wheels and high ground clearance, unevenness or small obstacles are not an obstacle. Alternatively, the Model 260 l is also available as a trailer with one axle.
EL-AN Drive
On all models, the electric drive lets you move forward and in reverse in two adjustable speeds. This not only makes feeding the calves fun, but also puts less strain on your back.
Dark outside? No Problem
You can always see where you are going thanks to the integrated LED headlight – which means you can even feed calves in more remote barns in the evenings.
Pasteurisation
Mastitis bacteria also play an important role in disease and illness in the calf stable. Pasteurisation eliminates up to 99.5% of those bacteria and is already a standard part of the calf feeding process on many farms.
Pasteuriser
In the “batch pasteurisation process”, 99.5 % of harmful pathogens are killed over 35 minutes at 63° C. As an alternative to this programme, the Milk Taxi also offers two different heat treatments at 60° C for either 60 or 70 minutes. All start times are freely programmable. Therefore, the milk is already pasteurised when you come into the barn for the morning feeding.
Automatic Cooling Function
The water cooling system is a standard component of the Milk Taxi Pasteuriser. This allows the milk to be stored fresh until it is fed or pasteurized. The automatic cooling program is particularly handy when used with milking robots. It detects the filling level and temperature during the automatic filling process. In addition, the cooling process is programmed in way that optimally utilises the required energy.
Warm Water Heating
If you want to cut energy costs and if you have plenty of hot water, then an optional hot water heater reduces your energy consumption, thereby saving on expensive energy costs when heating the milk.
Work Comfortably and Conveniently
Ultimately, it is comfort and convenience that facilitates your work. From the user-friendly display and easy cleaning up to the possible uses beyond calf feeding: You will never want to do without your Milk Taxi.
Glove box - For small and large accessories
The practical storage box provides space for all the small aids needed in the calf barn. Whether refractometer, ear tag pliers, thermometers, weight measuring tape, disposable gloves, check lists or other important things, everything finds its place in the practical glove box. In addition, the straight lid is ideal as a writing pad. Since the entire box can be easily detached from the MilkTaxi and carried away, these things are also quickly available at all other locations.
Bucket Transport and Colostrum Jar
The hinged frame you can use to transport up to two milk churns is especially practical. But it can also be used for transporting other things such as dry feed or tools. The 8 l colostrum jugs are particularly practical. Inserted in the larger can with hot water, the
milk remains at the perfect temperature before it is fed to the calves.
Automatic Cleaning
Since the lid can be fully opened, the tanks are very easy to clean. The semi-automatic cleaning programme ensures optimal hygiene. Residues, for instance in the pump and hose, can be completely emptied. A supplementary cleaning with the brush improves the results and your Milk Taxi is ready for use again after just a few minutes.
High Quality
You have to attend to so many things every day, the technology just has to work! Therefore, we manufacture all components in the highest quality and thus ensure high reliability. The high-quality stainless steel milk tank is easy to clean and has a long service life. Pumps and motors are protected, and the entire design, without unnecessary cables or cable ties, guarantees easy maintenance and therefore long, problem-free operation.
Drenching Cows
A drenching function for cattle is available as an option. In the Milk Taxi, the drench fluid can be optimally stirred and brought to the right temperature, driven to the cows, and then gently drenched into the rumen via the pump. Instead of struggling with a manual hand pump, the Milk Taxi lets you optimally concentrate on the cow..
Options and Features
Basic
- Milk Taxi model version 100 l, 150 l and 260 l with stable and manoeuvrable chassis on 4 wheels; 40 cm size front tyres
- Electronic control with liquid level sensor, thermometer and statistics function
- Powerful fl oor-mounted agitator turning at regular intervals in heating mode
- Milk Taxi, model version 260 l (66 gal [US]), built as a trailer with jack wheel
- Tank made of easy-to-clean, polished stainless steel
- Lockable lid with sealing ring; opens to full radius
- 1¼” drain tap for complete draining
- LED headlight
- Semi-automatic cleaning program
Options
Pasteurisation Function
- Pumping, mixing, heating as standard functionalities
- Up to 6 programmable start time for the pasteurisation
- Integrated water cooling
- Three selectable programmes: 65° C for 35 minutes, 60° C for 60 minutes, 60° C for 70 minutes
Energy-saving warm-water heating
- Dual wall as heat exchanger jacket on the outside
- Hot water temperature monitored by sensor
- Programmable heating start-up (up to 6 times)
Pump Assembly
- Up to 9 freely programmable dosing quantities
- Battery-powered stainless steel pump
- Dispensing arm with ergonomic handle
- Maintenance-free battery and charger
- Electronic quantity control
Electric Heating
- Effective full-surface heating
- Gentle milk warming, to avoid any burnt milk
- Model-specifi c power ratings (3 to 6 kW)
- Programmable heating start times (up to 6 times)
Smart Mix
- Exact filling level detection, flow measurement and programing of end timer
- Mixing calculator for optimum milk replacer concentration
- Calculated whole milk enhancement after determination of dry matter content, e.g. with refractometer (not included in scope of delivery)
CalfGuide for Milk Taxi
- Lists of calves, Milk Taxi status report, work logs, and more
Tiltable Bucket Support Frame for Two 30 Litre Milk Churns
- For transporting colostrum, drinking water and feeding buckets or similar
Wireless Remote Control on the Dispensing Arm
- Distance to Milk Taxi up to 10 m (with optional longer tubing)
- Option to preselect the dispensed quantity at the dispensing arm
EL-AN Electric Drive
- Adjustable drive with two basic speeds (forward/reverse)
- Maintenance-free 24V battery and charger
Failsafe tyres
- 4 failsafe tyres
- Durable soft, elastic polyurethane filling
Cow Drenching Equipment
- 1.5 m drenching probe with quick release fastener and flow reducerColostrum Jar
Colostrum Jar
- Stainless steel container for 8 l colostrum (aligned for use with a 30-litre milk churn)
Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications
| Power supply | 230V / 16A or 400V / 16A |
|---|---|
| Pump capacity | approx. 40 l/min |
| Heating power | 3 KW, 5 KW or 6 KW |
| Agitator power | 250 W |
| Tyre size | 400 / 265 mm |
*Technical specifications subject to change!
Dimensions
| Usable Tank Capacity | Total Tank Capacity | Width (cm) | Length (cm) | Height (cm) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milk Taxi 100 l | 100 l | 115 l | 60 | 126 | 109 |
| Milk Taxi 150 l | 150 l | 180 l | 75 | 129 | 109 |
| Milk Taxi 260 l | 260 l | 290 l | 76 | 133 | 119 |
| Milk Taxi Trailer |
260 l | 290 l | 120 | 140 | 125 |
* Technical specifications subject to change!
Practical Tips
Pasteurisation of Whole Milk
Whole milk is nutritious, valuable feed for calves. Unfortunately, this milk is often contaminated with bacteria. Bacteria that cause mastitis in the cow (E-coli, staphylococci, streptococci) also play an important role in problems in the calf barn. If present in the milk, these bacteria directly penetrate the digestive tract of the calf and can cause diarrhoeal diseases. Practical experience warrants the assumption that heifers previously fed with contaminated milk are later susceptible to mastitis.
Pasteurisation is a method in which the milk is heated to kill bacteria. In the USA, pasteurisation of calf milk has been a standard procedure for decades. The flash pasteurisers which are commonly used there heat the milk to 73° C for 15 seconds. However, the method is very complex and generally worthwhile for farms that need to pasteurise more than 500 litres of milk.
For other dairy farms, the batch pasteurisation method, in which a temperature of 65° C is maintained for 35 minutes, has been found to be suitable in practice. After this time, 99.5% of the important disease pathogens are destroyed, while the critical nutrients in the milk are preserved. This method is also used in the Milk Taxi Pasteuriser.
To preserve the quality of the milk until it is pasteurised, it is vital to cool it, especially if it will be dispensed over the next 12 hours. The Milk Taxi Pasteuriser is equipped with a simple and economical water cooling system. As a rule, temperatures between 10 - 20° C are sufficient to keep the milk stable for half a day.
How does milk pasteurisation fit into my workday?
As the pasteurisation process generally takes between 2 and 3 hours, it would often be too long a wait to feed the calves right after milking the cows. Automatic, time-controlled pasteurization in the early morning hours is thus an ideal option. In the morning, the pasteurised milk, at exactly the right temperature, is ready to be fed via the Milk Taxi. Therefore, we recommend the following procedure (using the evening milking as an example):
| 7:00 pm | Pour the milk into the Milk Taxi and cool it down to the temperature of the water. Program the timer of the Milk Taxi to start the cycle in the early morning hours (e.g. 3:00 a.m. in this example). |
| 03:00 am | The Milk Taxi begins heating the milk now (programmed time). |
| 06:00 am | The pasteurisation cycle is completed and the milk is at the desired drinking temperature, ready to be dispensed. |
| 07:00 am | After cleaning the Milk Taxi, pour the milk from the morning milking into it and cool down the milk that is going to be pasteurised and fed in the afternoon. |
What kind of milk should I pasteurise?
For safety reasons, whole milk should generally be pasteurised. Even if there are no disease problems among the calves, the potential risk is reduced if one of the pathogens creeps into the herd. In particular, however, it is essential to pasteurise milk unfit for human consumption (milk of mastitis cows, etc.) prior to feeding it, since it carries the risk of transferring diseases from the cows to the calves.
Especially in the case of ad libitum feeding, it is advisable to pasteurise the milk, since it improves the stability and “shelf life” of the acidified milk in the feeding buckets.
In general, we do not recommend pasteurising colostrum or milk that has undergone previous heat treatment. Milk containing antibiotics should never be fed to calves because of the risk of developing germ resistance. Pasteurisation does not inactivate the antibiotic effect.
