Efficient Calf Rearing with Urban Alma Pro | Kjærgård Case Study

At Kjærgård, Lars Otte represents the ninth generation on a family farm spanning 300 hectares. With nearly 25 years of experience, Lars has continuously adapted his operation to meet modern production demands.

The farm transitioned from dairy cows to bull calf fattening, and today Lars collects calves every 14 days from 16 different dairy farms. This setup places high demands on feeding precision, consistency and animal health - especially in the calves’ early life.

Urban Alma Pro – A True Game Changer

To meet these demands, Lars chose the Urban Alma Pro automatic calf feeders - for the second time.

“When calves arrive here, they are usually around three weeks old and weigh about 60 kg. They stay on milk at the Alma Pro for eight weeks, which is a critical period,” Lars explains.

This early phase is essential. Calves must adapt quickly, build strength and avoid setbacks. Urban Alma Pro ensures:

Consistent milk supply
Individual feeding control
Stable routines for calves from multiple origins

The result is a smooth and stress-free start, even with frequent new arrivals.

Consistent Growth and Better Animal Health

Urban Alma Pro plays a key role in maintaining uniform growth curves across the herd.

“After eight weeks on the feeders, the calves are well on their way toward the target weight of around 400 kg for the next production phase,” says Lars.

By automating feeding and monitoring intake, the system helps:

Reduce health issues
Detect problems early
Ensure equal nutrition for every calf

This consistency is crucial when working with calves from many suppliers.

A Future-Proof Investment

Installing Urban Alma Pro again was a deliberate decision.

“This is actually the second time we’ve installed these machines. They’ve proven their value in daily operation and made a real difference,” Lars explains.

For him, the system is not just about feeding - it is about long-term efficiency and reliability. The automation reduces manual labour, increases oversight and supports a scalable production model.

Less Manual Work, More Control

Urban Alma Pro has significantly reduced daily workload on the farm.

“The machines make it easier to ensure calves get the right amount of milk and nutrients. It saves time and gives us peace of mind,” Lars concludes.

Instead of spending hours on repetitive tasks, the team can focus on animal welfare, monitoring and overall farm management.