None of the 11 farms we visited had implemented both robotic milking and the compost bedded pack, so we deduced that having both on our farm would maximize the overall potential to reduce animal stressors, and deliver these other unique benefits as a package. Implementing robotic milking simultaneously with introduction of our compost bedded pack in an all new purpose designed barn, gave us the potential to maximize the milk yield benefits in excess of the forecasted 6-7%, and deliver a barn environment that enhanced animal health goals whilst reducing hand labor inputs.Once the cows have adjusted to robotic milking, it allows them the freedom to choose when they will be milked – basically, letting the cow be a cow.The information collected and analysis of the data highlighted two key factors We visited robotic milking farms to see what the owners thought. In order to validate the manufacturer’s claims, we needed to see robots in action for ourselves before taking the plunge. Changing from conventional milking to robotic milking is a huge decision, requiring significant investment in the system, a barn upgrade (or an all new barn in our case) and of course, a big change to the way of life for both the animals and the farmer.
According to system manufacturer Lely, their A4 Astronaut (recently update to the A5 Astronaut) robots are the way of the future for dairy farms as we know it, and bring many benefits including improved milk yield, animal quality of life, early detection of disease and better AI success rate. Why did you decide to implement Robotic milking at Westmeadow Farm?Ī lot of thought and research, including visiting several other farms using robotic milking technology in the Northeast, went into the decision to add milking robots at Westmeadow Farm.