Automated calf feeders have now been commercially available in the United States for roughly two decades. By design, autofeeders can be an excellent tool, as they allow calf-feeding patterns that most closely mimic those of a nursing calf in nature (Mother Nature’s way).

There is a common misconception that the only way to achieve group housing of preweaned calves is to invest in a high cost autofeeder system. While autofeeder barns can work very well, I have experienced first-hand that you can also raise healthy, well-grown calves in group pens using bottles.