Due to changing weather conditions and climatic extremes such as heat and heavy rainfall, the dry matter (DM) content of silage fluctuates greatly. This leads to inaccurate feed rations, which reduces feed efficiency, causes metabolic disorders in cows and causes milk yield and quality to fluctuate. It also makes feed quantity planning more difficult, which leads to empty feed troughs or leftover feed. A homogeneous mixture also ensures calm in the herd.
The EIP project NextMix aims to improve the feeding accuracy of ruminants using innovative sensor technology. In the project, we are using depth impedance spectroscopy, which measures the dry matter content in real time during milling, mixing and spreading of the feed. This enables the precise implementation of the calculated ration, ensures mixing homogeneity and guarantees an even distribution of the feed on the feeding table, which has a positive influence on the health, longevity and performance of the dairy cows, strengthens the profitability of the farms and promotes all aspects of sustainability.
Background information, insights into the latest progress and further information can be found here:
to the website
Westrup Koch Milch GbR is an agricultural business specialising in arable farming and dairy farming, as well as rearing young cattle and producing renewable energy. The farm plays the role of user of the developed sensor technology in practice and, in addition to the test and implementation site, contributes agricultural and practical expertise as well as a deep understanding of the requirements and challenges of dairy cattle nutrition.
Noxt!Sensortec GmbH is a start-up from Osnabrück and works with agricultural machinery manufacturers to develop state-of-the-art sensors that record and optimise agricultural processes and ensure sustainable production. They are the technology provider and are responsible for the ongoing technical support of the project.
The Animal Nutrition working group at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences has been working for many years on new strategies and feeding concepts to make regional animal husbandry more resource-efficient and sustainable. Within the project, the team is responsible for the scientific monitoring as well as the recording of all parameters and statistical analyses within the scope of feeding trials.
Die Seedhouse Accelerator GmbH ist eine Startup-unterstützende Einrichtung mit dem Fokus auf Startups in den Bereichen Agrar-, Food- und Digitales. Das Seedhouse ist im Projekt als Koordinator für alle Aufgaben des Projektmanagements zuständig und agiert als Ansprechpartner und Repräsentant in allen Belangen.
This is where Europe is investing in rural areas with the "European Innovation Partnership" measure. This measure supports cooperation between agriculture, the food industry and science. The aim is to implement projects that lead to innovations and a strengthening of competitiveness in agriculture.
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