Robotic milking system boosts production by 10%

Since the DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS) V300 was installed in September last year, cows are already more productive and content. The system allows the cow to be milked when it wants, up to three times a day on average. 

Director of agriculture Professor Matt Bell commented: “They settled into using the robots quickly and seem relaxed with the new system. The milk production of the herd is 10% higher than before. 

“This information and working with the robotic system has been enjoyed by staff, students and visitors. It’s also very beneficial for students to be learning about and using the latest agri-tech which is something we feel very strongly about. Students can work with the dashboard on the robots and obtain lists of cows that need attention – they may need to locate cows that are not milking for example.”   

Around half the herd (100 cows) are still milked twice a day using the existing system, a 30/30 GEA Rapid Exit milking parlour. 

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Explaining why they chose the DeLaval system, Prof Bell said: “The VMS V300 is felt to replicate the milking process of a person very well. The robotic arm is smooth and precise, which results in the cows being very calm and relaxed during milking in the milking station. This appears to be the case as some cows that were difficult in the milking parlour are more content in the robotic milking station.”

Agricultural students studying courses including T Levels, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and PhDs will have the chance to see the VMS in action.

The system operates through a series of advanced steps:

Teat preparation: Compressed air and warm water are injected through angled nozzles to clean the teats thoroughly

Teat attachment: The DeLaval lnSight vision system allows for precise and quick attachment of teat cups, even for cows with varied teat placement

Milking process: The robust robotic arm prepares the teats, attaches the teat cups, aligns the milk tube, and sprays the teats after milking. The milking process is adapted to each cow individually, increasing the milking rate and reducing milking time

Milk measurement and health monitoring: ICAR-approved milk meters with infrared technology measure milk quantity, conductivity, colorimetry, and flow rate per quarter. The MDi health indicators help identify cows and udders that need attention, ensuring udder health

Post-milking: After milking, the teat cups are retracted and rinsed if they fall off during the process. Teats are sprayed to ensure hygiene

Data management: The DeLaval lnControl system allows farmers to monitor and control the milking process via a smartphone interface. The DelPro Farm Manager software records, monitors, and analyses data to help make informed farming decisions.

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