Robotics in the Dairy Industry

Cody Brouillard
English 1060
1/23/12
Robotics in the Dairy Industry

Robotic milk machines are a new product in dairy farming today. Robotic milk machines are a good example of new and efficient technology in the dairy industry. Farmers around the world are debating whether or not to install this expensive new technology. It is a state of the art machine that can handle a herd of 50-60 cows (depending on the amount of production per cow). The robot is a complicated machine, but it has simple concepts that are quick and easy for both cows and farmers to learn. The procedure of adjusting a dairy herd to a robot is said to be quick and easy. It usually takes two-three weeks for cows to adjust. Cows require a schedule that is followed precisely every day. They need a set time of milking, eating, and sleeping. It is a simple process to change the cow’s routine, but requires attention to detail and patience. The best way to start is by coaxing the cows into the robot with grain. If cows know that they will be rewarded with grain when entering the robot they will be more likely to use it. The next step is to keep the cow calm and comfortable when the robot is milking her. If the cow is stressed her first time in the machine, she will associate the machine with danger and not want to use it again. It is important not to stress the cows while entering the machine. The robot works with a complex laser system and huge database where it stores its information. When a cow is being milked for the first time in the machine a human has to digitally map out the cows udder into the machines database. Once this is done the first time the robot remembers every detail of every given cows udder. The cows are all marked with collars with computer chips with the information that the robot needs to remember each cow. When the cow enters the robot the computer chip sends the information the robot needs to start the milking procedure for that cow. The procedure of milking starts with a sanitary peroxide that sanitizes the teat. Then a series of rotating brushes cleans any excess manure off the teat. This is different for different types of robots, the example being used is the Lely robot. The computer then signals the milking arm to place each teat cup on the teat to start the milking process. Unlike conventional milking, the robot takes each quarter off as it is done milking. This is a huge advantage for cow comfort and production. Each quarter of a cow’s udder can be done at different times based on production for each quarter. The robot senses milk flow in each teat and takes the machine off based on that. Conventional milking the machine comes off all at once which can pose a threat for over milking cows (over milking can lead to mastitis and unhappy cows). After all four quarters are off the machine sprays a post-dip sanitizer on each teat. The cow then leaves the machine back into the free stall area. After each cow is milked the robot sends information to a computer. The information it sends to the computer is where the real advantage of having a robot comes into play. The machine tests the milk temperature, conductivity, and contents. Also the machine tests production of each cow and milking time. This information is essential in running a successful dairy. The farmers can then examine the information each day and compare it to the herd. If the statistics of any given cow change dramatically from day to day then the farmer can sense a problem in the cow and address it. Conventionally none of this information is looked at day to day and problems with cows would be greater before detection by farmers. This is where cow comfort and happiness come into play with the robotic milk machine vs. conventional milking. With this given information, farmers can usually fix problems with cows before they become major and life threatening. This plays a huge role in cow comfort. Imagine being able to get medicine before ever getting sick! When the cows are happier they produce more milk, which leads to higher income for the farmers. The biggest problem that the robots can detect before it happens is mastitis. Mastitis is an inflammatory reaction of the udder tissue caused by bugs and/or bacteria. It is the most costly problem and most common disease in the dairy industry. The robot conducts a test every milking of each cow’s conductivity. A major increase in the level of conductivity is a sign of mastitis starting. The farmer can then watch that cow closely and hand milk to detect mastitis. Treatment occurs before major problems can end a cow’s lactation or life. This is the biggest advantage that is obtained by purchasing a robot. The debate amongst farmers is growing with all of the new and promising information that is being discovered. The advantages keep growing and the research being done is proving that robots can manage a herd of cows successfully. The biggest reason that farmers don’t want to switch has to do with farmers being attached and “hands on” with their cows. The other contributor to most farmers being scared to invest is the cost. Initial cost can be upwards of $300,000. The robots are very well made and technologically advanced; therefore they are worth the cost. One robot can reduce labor costs dramatically, and they increase milk production amongst your herd. With the dairy industry becoming more competitive and technology based a lot of farmers are seriously looking into robots. After all, the world is headed in the direction of new and efficient technology.