Peter C. Thomson
Papers
2
Total Citations
44
H-Index
2
About
Peter C. Thomson is a leading researcher in pasture-based automatic milking systems (AMS), with a focus on optimizing voluntary cow traffic and behavioral management. His work addresses a critical challenge in dairy automation: ensuring cows move freely and efficiently through the milking system without stress or excessive intervention. Thomson’s most-cited study (2014, 31 citations) demonstrated how providing a small concentrate feed reward at milking significantly improves voluntary cow traffic, directly enhancing system productivity and animal welfare. His subsequent research (2014, 13 citations) further explored cow behavior in the premilking yard, identifying key factors that influence movement patterns under feed supplementation regimes. These contributions have practical implications for designing more effective, cow-friendly AMS in pasture-based systems, reducing reliance on forced movement and improving overall farm efficiency. Thomson’s work is widely referenced by agricultural engineers, dairy scientists, and farm managers seeking to transition to automated milking while maintaining high animal welfare standards. His research bridges animal behavior science and precision agriculture, making him a pivotal figure in sustainable dairy farming innovation.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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