Effects of Husbandry Systems on the Efficiency and Optimisation of Robotic Milking Performance and Management

Abstract

Feeding strategies, cow traffic and barn lay-out affect the management and technical settings of robotic milking systems. Analysis of these aspects indicates that different feeding strategies can result in a different visiting behaviour of a cow to the robot. Cow traffic affects labour and creates circumstances that might influence the production level. Management is a focal point when a robot is implemented and operating on a dairy operation. The working routine of a farmer changes completely. Understanding the effects will improve milk quality, cow comfort, stress levels as well as financial results and production levels. The new management practices are rather mentally than physically-oriented. Managing a Robotic Milking Barn (RMB) in the same way as a farm with a conventional parlour is managed will lead to inefficiency. Farmers will have to adjust to the new situation.