Run the Numbers. Make the Right Call.
Compare systems, calculate your return on investment, and find the right Urban equipment for your operation — all in one place.
Which System Fits Your Farm?
Two Paths. One Goal: Healthier Calves.
Urban builds two core feeding systems. The right choice depends on your barn layout, herd size, feeding philosophy, and budget. Here is how they compare.
Alma Pro — Automatic Feeder
A fixed-station system that lives in your calf barn. Calves walk up to the station and drink on their own schedule, identified by transponder. The machine handles mixing, warming, cleaning, and data logging.
- 24/7 on-demand feeding — calves drink when they want
- Individual feeding plans per calf (age, volume, concentration)
- Transponder ID tracks intake, visits, and drinking speed
- Automatic cleaning between each calf
- Optional UV-C nipple disinfection (HygieneSet)
- Supports 1–4 stations per feeder (up to 100+ calves)
- Remote monitoring via WiFi and Urban app
MilkShuttle — Mobile Feeder
A self-propelled mobile unit that goes to the calves. Mix, pasteurize, transport, and dispense milk — all from one machine. Drive it through your hutch rows or between barns.
- Mix, warm, pasteurize, and deliver in one unit
- Electric drive with variable speed — no tractor needed
- Precision nozzle dosing (accurate to 0.1L)
- Available in 100L to 350L sizes
- Pasteurizer models (MSP) with built-in batch pasteurization
- Optional EcoProtector UV-C for hutch disinfection
- Computer-controlled with programmable feeding schedules
Head to Head
Alma Pro vs. MilkShuttle
| Factor | Alma Pro | MilkShuttle |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding style | On-demand — calf-initiated, 24/7 | Scheduled — operator-driven rounds |
| Housing type | Group pens (fixed installation) | Individual hutches, igloos, multiple barns |
| Herd size sweet spot | 30–200+ calves per feeder | 20–200+ calves per round |
| Labor reduction | 80–90% (fully automatic) | 50–70% (semi-automatic) |
| Feed type | Milk replacer (standard) or whole milk | Whole milk, pasteurized milk, or replacer |
| Pasteurization | Not built in (feeds replacer or pre-pasteurized milk) | MSP models include built-in batch pasteurizer |
| Individual tracking | Full — transponder ID, intake, speed, visits | Manual recording or VitaControl add-on |
| UV-C hygiene | HygieneSet (nipple + boiler disinfection) | EcoProtector (hutch/surface disinfection) |
| Mobility | Fixed in barn | Self-propelled, goes anywhere on the farm |
| Weaning | Gradual step-down per calf (programmed) | Manual weaning schedule adjustment |
| Starting price | ~$22,000 (feeder + 1 station) | ~$15,800 (MS100 basic) |
Interactive Tool
ROI Calculator
Enter your herd details to see the return on investment for both the Alma Pro and MilkShuttle Pasteurizer. Pricing based on Rev 23/24 Suggested List (March 2026).
Unlock Your ROI Analysis
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