There are 3 different flavors of the Juno; the Juno 150 debuted back in 2008, the Juno 100 that debuted in 2011, and the Juno Next/Flex that debuted back in 2018.
The Juno operates by moving along a programmed route in the barn, gently pushing the feed towards the feed fence. Helping to prevent feed from being pushed to the sides or corners of the barn, ensuring that the animals have access to fresh feed. By regularly redistributing the feed, the Juno encourages uniform feed intake among the animals, promoting better herd health and productivity.
Key features and benefits of the Juno include:
Automation and labor savings vs tractor/skid steer and operator: The Juno automates the feed pushing task, reducing the need for manual labor. It operates autonomously, following a predetermined schedule or can be controlled manually if needed. This frees up time for farm staff to focus on other important tasks. The fuel savings alone from not having to constantly start a cold engine is huge!
Feed management and optimization: The Juno helps ensure that feed is evenly distributed throughout the barn. By preventing feed accumulation in certain areas, it encourages animals to move and feed more evenly, reducing competition and stress among the herd. This can lead to improved feed intake and overall animal well-being.
Improved herd health: By consistently providing access to fresh and evenly distributed feed, the Juno helps promote better herd health and productivity. Animals have a more consistent diet, reducing the risk of digestive disorders and optimizing feed conversion efficiency. We have been finding conservatively that a herd will produce 1 extra kg of milk per cow per day versus not pushing feed at all.
Flexibility and adaptability: The Juno can be programmed to operate in various barn layouts and can navigate obstacles such as gates or feeding fences. It can also be adjusted to different feed push speeds and frequencies, accommodating specific farm requirements. The Juno Next with Flex option can lift its skirt (olala) to cross some flush alleys or slopes. It is also capable of pushing feed on the left and right side on the same route.
Juno running costs: The Juno's run on a 12V battery, that when not on a route, it park itself on a 120vac battery charger that will bulk charge first, then top the battery up with a maintenance charge before heading on a route again. The average running costs for maintenance and repairs is somewhere between $300-$400 per year. Power consumption and wear parts such as the battery, tires, skirt rubber and castor wheel fall into this yearly total.
By using the Juno, you can save time and labor, as the robot handles the repetitive task of feed pushing. It also contributes a more structured and stress-free feeding routine for the cows, which can positively impact their well-being and productivity.
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