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Hansson I, Woudstra S. Associations of parity and lactation stage with the order cows enter the milking parlor. JDS COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:416-420. [PMID: 39310838 PMCID: PMC11410487 DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2023-0491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
To explore the effect of lactation stage and parity on the milking order of cows, we collected milking order data of all lactating cows (n = 251) over a period of 12 wk in one commercial Swedish dairy cow herd using a herringbone milking parlor. Cows were kept in 2 housing groups (G1 and G2) and moved from G1 to G2 at approximately mid lactation. Two analyses were conducted to investigate if lactation stage (early: 2-49 d in milk, mid: 50-179 d in milk, and late ≥180 d in milk) and parity are associated with the entrance order to the parlor or a preference of entering a new milking line first. In G1 and G2, cows in first parity entered the milking parlor earlier than cows in higher parities. In addition, in G1 cows in early lactation entered the milking parlor earlier than cows in later lactation. Similar effects were observed for the preference of entering a new milking line first. No effect of mid versus late lactation could be observed in either G1 or G2. The study also found that cows tend to keep their rank within the milking order constant. The results of the study indicate that cows of presumably lower hierarchy (first parity and early lactation) leave the waiting area earlier compared with other cows. This should be considered when planning grouping strategies and preventive measures against mastitis pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Hansson
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7023, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Svenja Woudstra
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
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2
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Marino R, Petrera F, Abeni F. Scientific Productions on Precision Livestock Farming: An Overview of the Evolution and Current State of Research Based on a Bibliometric Analysis. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2280. [PMID: 37508057 PMCID: PMC10376211 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The interest in precision livestock farming (PLF)-a concept discussed for the first time in the early 2000s-has advanced considerably in recent years due to its important role in the development of sustainable livestock production systems. However, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the PLF literature is lacking. To address this gap, this study analyzed documents published from 2005 to 2021, aiming to understand the historical influences on technology adoption in livestock farming, identify future global trends, and examine shifts in scientific research on this topic. By using specific search terms in the Web of Science Core Collection, 886 publications were identified and analyzed using the bibliometrix R-package. The analysis revealed that the collection consisted mostly of research articles (74.6%) and reviews (10.4%). The top three core journals were the Journal of Dairy Science, Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, and Animals. Over time, the number of publications has steadily increased, with a higher growth rate in the last five years (29.0%) compared to the initial period (13.7%). Authors and institutions from multiple countries have contributed to the literature, with the USA, the Netherlands, and Italy leading in terms of publication numbers. The analysis also highlighted the growing interest in bovine production systems, emphasizing the importance of behavioral studies in PLF tool development. Automated milking systems were identified as central drivers of innovation in the PLF sector. Emerging themes for the future included "emissions" and "mitigation", indicating a focus on environmental concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Marino
- Centro di Ricerca Zootecnia e Acquacoltura, Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l'Analisi dell'Economia Agraria (CREA), Via Lombardo 11, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Francesca Petrera
- Centro di Ricerca Zootecnia e Acquacoltura, Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l'Analisi dell'Economia Agraria (CREA), Via Lombardo 11, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Fabio Abeni
- Centro di Ricerca Zootecnia e Acquacoltura, Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l'Analisi dell'Economia Agraria (CREA), Via Lombardo 11, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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3
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Lüdi I, Bruckmaier RM. The teat cup detachment level affects milking performance in an automatic milking system with teat cleaning and milking in the same teat cup. J DAIRY RES 2022; 89:1-6. [PMID: 36039951 DOI: 10.1017/s0022029922000528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The goal of the present study was to determine the best quarter milk flow for teat cup detachment depending on lactational stage and milking interval to optimize the milking process in automatic milking systems (AMS). Milking characteristics and post-milking teat condition were recorded in an AMS with all actions from teat cleaning to post-milking teat dipping occurring in the same teat cup and liner (GEA DairyRobot R9500). In 24 dairy cows, 12 in early (<80 DIM) and 12 in late lactation (>180 DIM), 294 milkings were recorded during 12 consecutive days. Teat cup detachment was set at a quarter milk flow of 50, 87.5 or 125 g/min. Voluntary milking intervals varied similarly in cows in early (6.1-14.8 h) and late lactation (6.3-15.7 h). Total milk yield, milk production per h and average milk flow were higher in early than in late lactation cows. Total milk yield per milking did not differ between detachment levels. The mean milking time was reduced by up to 1.5 min at the highest compared to the lowest detachment level mainly in early lactation cows (P < 0.05). However, no significant effect of the detachment level on milking time was observed at milking intervals >10 h. Average milk flow was higher at milking intervals >10 h than ≤10 h (P < 0.05). In the early lactation cows (only) the average milk flow increased with higher detachment levels (P < 0.05). Teat condition did not differ among detachment settings or milking intervals. In conclusion, teat cup detachment up to 125 g/min reduces milking time in both early and late lactation without a loss of milk yield or affecting the teat condition. Combined with a higher average milk flow through avoiding too short milking intervals, the total milking time and hence stall occupancy can be optimized by early teat cup detachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Lüdi
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rupert M Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Suzuki T, Saito T, Osawa Y, Kemmei K, Uchiyama Y, Kawauchi D, Ishida M. Effect of transition to an automated milking system for a tie-stall barn on milk production and cow condition. Anim Sci J 2022; 93:e13686. [PMID: 35103362 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The effect of the transition from a conventional milking (CM) system in a tie-stall barn to an automated milking (AM) system specialized for a tie-stall barn on milk yield, milk composition, teat-end score, body condition score (BCS), and lying time was evaluated. This study was conducted at a commercial dairy farm from -15 to 153 days after the installation of the AM system. Lactating cows milked with the CM system (average 85 heads) were gradually transitioned to the AM system, and finally, 57 heads were milked with the AM system. No obvious effects of the milking system on milk yield, milk components, BCS, and daily lying time were found based on comparisons between CM and AM cows in the same herd under the same situation of twice-daily milking. The linear mixed-effects model for teat-end scores showed higher scores for front than for rear teats, and small but negative estimates for independent variables of the day after AM, indicating worse teat-end condition for front than for rear teats and improvement of the condition with increased time since AM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyuki Suzuki
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Nasushiobara, Japan
| | - Takashi Saito
- Agricultural Development and Extension Center, Nemuro Subprefectural Bureau, Hokkaido Government, Betsukai, Japan
| | - Yuki Osawa
- Biomass Solutions Co., Ltd., Betsukai, Japan.,Pureline Co., Ltd., Nakashibetsu, Japan
| | | | | | - Daisuke Kawauchi
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Tsukuba, Japan.,Kyushu Okinawa Agricultural Research Center, NARO, Koshi, Japan
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5
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Marumo JL, Fisher DN, Lusseau D, Mackie M, Speakman JR, Hambly C. Social associations in lactating dairy cows housed in a robotic milking system. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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6
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Matson RD, King MTM, Duffield TF, Santschi DE, Orsel K, Pajor EA, Penner GB, Mutsvangwa T, DeVries TJ. Farm-level factors associated with lameness prevalence, productivity, and milk quality in farms with automated milking systems. J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:793-806. [PMID: 34635359 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Impaired locomotion (lameness) may negatively affect the ability and desire of cows to milk voluntarily, which is a key factor in success of automated milking systems (AMS). The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with herd-level lameness prevalence and associations of lameness and other farm-level factors with milking activity, milk yield, and milk quality in herds with AMS. From April to September 2019, 75 herds with AMS in Ontario, Canada, were visited, and data on barn design and farm management practices were collected. Data from AMS were collected, along with milk recording data, for the 6-mo period before farm visits. Farms averaged 98 ± 71 lactating cows, 2.3 ± 1.5 robot units/farm, 43.6 ± 9.4 cows/robot, 36.4 ± 4.9 kg/d of milk, a milking frequency of 3.01 ± 0.33 milkings/d, and a herd average geometric mean SCC of 179.3 ± 74.6 (× 1,000) cells/mL. Thirty percent of cows/farm (minimum of 30 cows/farm) were scored for body condition (1 = underconditioned to 5 = over conditioned) and locomotion (1 = sound to 5 = lame; clinically lame ≥3 out of 5 = 28.3 ± 11.7%, and severely lame ≥4 out of 5 = 3.0 ± 3.2%). Clinical lameness (locomotion score ≥3) was less prevalent on farms with sand bedding, with increased feed bunk space per cow, and on farms with non-Holstein breeds versus Holsteins, and tended to be less prevalent with lesser proportion of underconditioned cows (with body condition score ≤2.5). Severe lameness occurrence (farms with any cows with locomotion score ≥4) was associated with a greater proportion of underconditioned cows and in farms with stalls with greater curb heights. Herd average milk yield/cow per day increased with lesser prevalence of clinical lameness (each 10-percentage-point decrease in clinical lameness prevalence was associated with 2.0 kg/cow per day greater milk yield) and greater milking visit frequency per day, and tended to be greater with increased feed push-up frequency. Lesser herd average somatic cell count was associated with lesser clinical lameness prevalence, herd average days in milk, and proportion of overconditioned cows, and somatic cell count tended to be lesser for farms with sand bedding versus those with organic bedding substrates. The results highlight the importance of minimizing lameness prevalence, using of sand bedding, ensuring adequate feed access and feed bunk space, and maintaining proper cow body condition to optimize herd-level productivity and milk quality in AMS herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D Matson
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - M T M King
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - T F Duffield
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - D E Santschi
- Lactanet, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3R4, Canada
| | - K Orsel
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - E A Pajor
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - G B Penner
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - T Mutsvangwa
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - T J DeVries
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Keshavarzi H, Lee C, Lea JM, Campbell DLM. Virtual Fence Responses Are Socially Facilitated in Beef Cattle. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:543158. [PMID: 33195516 PMCID: PMC7554306 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.543158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Group-living can be socially advantageous where the behavior of individuals may be modified by group members through socially facilitative processes. Virtual fencing contains cattle by providing audio and electrical signals via a neckband device. However, little is known about social influences on learning to appropriately respond to the virtual fence (VF) cues. This study aimed to determine whether cattle respond to the behavior of conspecifics during their initial interactions with a VF across 3 days. Sixty-four Angus steers, naïve to virtual fencing, were placed into 8 paddocks (8 animals/group), divided with a VF into two areas- an inclusion and exclusion zone. The animals received an audio cue if they approached the VF followed by an electrical pulse if they continued into the exclusion zone. The GPS and audio and electrical stimuli data were recorded. To quantify social facilitation, individual VF interactions were grouped into 179 "events" across 3 days; starting from when the first animal (leader) approached the VF. The responses of other animals were categorized as (1) followed the leader to move into the exclusion zone (followers, F), (2) accompanied the leader back into the inclusion zone (facilitated, Fa), (3) did not show any reaction (non-facilitated, NFa). A social facilitation score (SFaS) was calculated as SFaS (%) = (F/(Fa+NFa+F)) * 100. A single leader animal led on average 37% of events with 76.2% of all reactions categorized as facilitated by other individuals. Animals responded to the behavior of conspecifics more during the VF implementation compared with facilitated movement during natural grazing patterns when no VF was present (P < 0.001). On average, cattle stopped or turned away to 3.8 (± 2.9 SE) audio cues before ever receiving their first electrical pulse. There was a positive correlation (R = 0.34, P = 0.006) between the number of audio cues received prior to the first electrical pulse and the proportion of all audio cues that were not followed by an electrical pulse. In conclusion, cattle stayed within the inclusion zone based on the response of conspecifics, including some social impacts on individual rates of associative learning between the audio and electrical cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Keshavarzi
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
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8
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Córdova H, Cardozo L, Alessio D, Thaler Neto A. Comportamento de vacas da raça Holandesa em ordenha robotizada (Behaviour of Holstein cows in robotic milking). ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-10057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o comportamento ingestivo de concentrado e de ordenha de vacas em lactação em sistema de ordenha robotizada (SOR) conforme a paridade. O experimento foi realizado de março a junho de 2014, em Castro, PR, com vacas da raça Holandesa, confinadas em free stall, ordenhadas automaticamente e classificadas de acordo com a ordem de parto (1, 2 e +3 partos). Os dados foram extraídos do software de gerenciamento, sendo consideradas as atividades de um dia por mês (24h), por quatro meses, no dia seguinte após a realização do controle leiteiro oficial. Os dados foram analisados por técnicas de análise multivariada (análise fatorial, canônica e de agrupamento), utilizando-se o pacote computacional SAS. O comportamento ingestivo de concentrado influenciou toda a atividade das vacas no SOR, sendo fundamental para o desempenho dos animais nesse sistema. A ordem de parto não influenciou o comportamento na ordenha, somente o comportamento ingestivo, devido à dominância social das vacas multíparas. As vacas mais produtivas apresentaram um comportamento ingestivo mais agressivo. Conclui-se que a ordem de parto influencia o comportamento ingestivo de concentrado, porém não interfere no comportamento de ordenha de vacas com maior paridade. No SOR, primíparas devem ser manejadas em grupo específico.
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Affiliation(s)
- H.A. Córdova
- Secretaria de Estado da Educação do Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - D.R.M. Alessio
- Universidade Associação Educacional Leonardo da Vinci, Brazil
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9
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Pitkäranta J, Kurkela V, Huotari V, Posio M, Halbach CE. Designing Automated Milking Dairy Facilities to Maximize Labor Efficiency. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2019; 35:175-193. [PMID: 30686462 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2018.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As automatic milking systems grow in popularity in North America, questions about how to design the barn to improve labor efficiency arise. Multiple considerations such as cow flow traffic type, robot positioning within the pen, the number of cows per pen, and how cows are managed around the robots must be discussed during the barn planning period. This article focuses on barn design and pen layout to maximize labor efficiency in herds with single-box automatic milking systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marjo Posio
- 4dBarn Oy, Kauppurienkatu 23, Oulu 90100, Finland
| | - Courtney E Halbach
- The Dairyland Initiative, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53726, USA.
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de Oliveira D, Keeling LJ. Routine activities and emotion in the life of dairy cows: Integrating body language into an affective state framework. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195674. [PMID: 29718937 PMCID: PMC5931453 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We assessed dairy cows' body postures while they were performing different stationary activities in a loose housing system and then used the variation within and between individuals to identify potential connections between specific postures and the valence and arousal dimensions of emotion. We observed 72 individuals within a single milking herd focusing on their ear, neck and tail positions while they were: feeding from individual roughage bins, being brushed by a mechanical rotating brush and queuing to enter a single automatic milking system. Cows showed different ear, neck and tail postures depending on the situation. When combined, their body posture during feeding was ears back up and neck down, with tail wags directed towards the body, during queuing their ears were mainly axial and forward, their neck below the horizontal and the tail hanging stationary, and during brushing their ears were backwards and asymmetric, the neck horizontal and the tail wagging vigorously. We then placed these findings about cow body posture during routine activities into an arousal/valence framework used in animal emotion research (dimensional model of core affect). In this way we generate a priori predictions of how the positions of the ears, neck and tail of cows may change in other situations, previously demonstrated to vary in valence and arousal. We propose that this new methodology, with its different steps of integration, could contribute to the identification and validation of behavioural (postural) indicators of how positively or negatively cows experience other activities, or situations, and how calm or aroused they are. Although developed here on dairy cattle, by focusing on relevant postures, this approach could be easily adapted to other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiana de Oliveira
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Linda J. Keeling
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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FAHIM A, KAMBOJ ML, BHAKAT M, MOHANTY TK, GUPTA R. Preference of side and standing in relationship with milking characteristics and temperament score of crossbred dairy cows in an 8 × 2 herringbone milking parlour. TURKISH JOURNAL OF VETERINARY & ANIMAL SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.3906/vet-1705-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Bewley J, Robertson L, Eckelkamp E. A 100-Year Review: Lactating dairy cattle housing management. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:10418-10431. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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13
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Bach A, Cabrera V. Robotic milking: Feeding strategies and economic returns. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:7720-7728. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Rodenburg J. Robotic milking: Technology, farm design, and effects on work flow. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:7729-7738. [PMID: 28711263 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Robotic milking reduces labor demands on dairy farms of all sizes and offers a more flexible lifestyle for farm families milking up to 250 cows. Because milking is voluntary, barn layouts that encourage low-stress access by providing adequate open space near the milking stations and escape routes for waiting cows improve milking frequency and reduce fetching. Because lame cows attend less often, preventing lameness with comfortable stalls, clean alley floors, and effective foot bathing warrants special emphasis in robotic dairies. Variable milking intervals create challenges for foot bathing, sorting and handling, and dealing with special-needs cows. Appropriate cow routing and separation options at the milking stations are needed to address these challenges and ensure that the expected labor savings are realized. Protocols and layout and gating should make it possible for a herd worker to complete all handling tasks alone. Free traffic and guided traffic systems yield similar results when excellent management is applied or when the number of cows is well below capacity. In less ideal circumstances, guided traffic and the use of commitment pens result in longer standing times and stress, particularly for lower ranking cows, and poor management with free traffic results in more labor for fetching.
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Tremblay M, Hess JP, Christenson BM, McIntyre KK, Smink B, van der Kamp AJ, de Jong LG, Döpfer D. Customized recommendations for production management clusters of North American automatic milking systems. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:5671-5680. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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16
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Westin R, Vaughan A, de Passillé A, DeVries T, Pajor E, Pellerin D, Siegford J, Witaifi A, Vasseur E, Rushen J. Cow- and farm-level risk factors for lameness on dairy farms with automated milking systems. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:3732-3743. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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17
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Tremblay M, Hess JP, Christenson BM, McIntyre KK, Smink B, van der Kamp AJ, de Jong LG, Döpfer D. Factors associated with increased milk production for automatic milking systems. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:3824-3837. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Review: Milking robot utilization, a successful precision livestock farming evolution. Animal 2016; 10:1484-92. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731116000495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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19
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Westin R, Vaughan A, de Passillé A, DeVries T, Pajor E, Pellerin D, Siegford J, Vasseur E, Rushen J. Lying times of lactating cows on dairy farms with automatic milking systems and the relation to lameness, leg lesions, and body condition score. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:551-61. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-9737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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20
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Voluntary cow traffic and behaviour in the premilking yard of a pasture-based automatic milking system with a feed supplementation regime. Livest Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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21
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Lyons NA, Kerrisk KL, Garcia SC. Milking permission and milking intervals in a pasture-based automatic milking system. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2015. [DOI: 10.1071/an13131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
In a pasture-based, automatic milking system, a proportion of milking events occur with milking intervals (MI) >16 h (extended MI). Additionally, cows necessarily walk longer distances than in indoor-based systems. The decision to milk a cow is based on milking permission criteria, which are generally based on time since last milking but can often take into account expected yield as well. Any cow arriving at the dairy and that does not receive milking permission is drafted to a pasture allocation, but it is not known whether milking refusal influences total time of return and therefore MI. Data from a 33-day period from the FutureDairy pasture-based, automatic milking system research farm using a prototype robotic rotary were analysed to investigate the hypothesis that a greater proportion of milking events occurring with extended MI would correspond to cows that had experienced a previous milking refusal. If this were the case then management practices could be implemented to deal with cows that visit the dairy soon after the last milking event. Results indicate that one-third of milking events had extended MI, although only 16% of them had a previous milking refusal. The average refusal took place 3 h after the last milking event and caused extended MI in >60% of the cases. This indicated that although attention should be placed on cows that returned to the dairy before milking permission (because they were likely to have an extended MI), milking refusals were not the main cause of extended MI. Therefore, cows that visit the dairy facility earlier than expected could be sorted to a feeding area close to the dairy, yet the greatest impact on overall MI will probably be achieved by reducing time spent in any one pasture allocation.
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Time-budget constraints for cows with high milking frequency on farms with automatic milking systems. Livest Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2014.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Scott V, Thomson P, Kerrisk K, Garcia S. Influence of provision of concentrate at milking on voluntary cow traffic in a pasture-based automatic milking system. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:1481-90. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-7375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Lyons N, Kerrisk K, Garcia S. Milking frequency management in pasture-based automatic milking systems: A review. Livest Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2013.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Milking behaviour of buffalo cows: entrance order and side preference in the milking parlour. J DAIRY RES 2013; 81:24-9. [DOI: 10.1017/s0022029913000587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
On two farms, three milking groups of buffalo cows were used to assess the consistency of entrance order and the preference for one side of the milking parlour. On Farm 1 (F1) all animals were primiparous (n=57). On Farm 2, three primiparous, 16 secondiparous and 36 multiparous cows (range 1–8) constituted group F2G1; whereas group F2G2 had 12 primiparous, 10 secondiparous and 14 multiparous cows (range 1–10). Animals were milked in auto-tandem milking parlours (2×5 and 2×6 for Farms 1 and 2, respectively). For each cow, entrance order into milking parlour, side where she was milked, milk yield, time and duration of milking were recorded. These data were derived from the computerised identification of cows. The sequence in which the cows entered the milking parlour ranged from 1 to 57 for group F1, from 1 to 55 for group F2G1 and from 1 to 36 for group F2G2. The analysis of data was conducted on 130, 120 and 92 consecutive milkings for groups F1, F2G1 and F2G2, respectively. Kendall's coefficients of concordance showed a strong constancy of the entrance order into milking parlour for groups F1 (W=0·658; χ2=4792·81; P<0·001), F2G1 (W=0·779; χ2=5046·81; P<0·001) and F2G2 (W=0·624; χ2=2030·48; P<0·001). Spearman rank correlation coefficients indicated that the more productive cows in groups F1 and F2G1 tended to enter the milking parlour first (rs=−0·221 and rs=−0·215; P<0·10; respectively). In group F2G1, a negative correlation was found between duration of milking and order of entry in the milking parlour (rs=−0·265; P<0·05). Animals in group F2G2 (rs=0·334; P<0·05) with higher days in milk entered the milking parlour latterly. In all three groups, 68 cows (45·9%) preferred the right side of the milking parlour, 73 the left side (49·3%) and the remaining seven (4·8%) showed no preference. Finally, negative correlations were found between mean entrance order and parity for both groups of Farm 2 (rs=−0·319; P<0·05 and rs=−0·325; P<0·05 for F2G1 and F2G2, respectively). As buffaloes showed higher entrance order consistency and side preference than other domestic ruminants, it is concluded that management practices that disturb their choice should be avoided in order to minimise stress during farming routines.
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Kolbach R, Kerrisk K, Garcia S, Dhand N. Effects of bail activation sequence and feed availability on cow traffic and milk harvesting capacity in a robotic rotary dairy. J Dairy Sci 2013; 96:2137-2146. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2012-5332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Dijkstra C, Veermäe I, Praks J, Poikalainen V, Arney DR. Dairy cow behavior and welfare implications of time waiting before entry into the milking parlor. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2012; 15:329-45. [PMID: 23009623 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2012.709137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate dairy cows' time spent in the possibly stressful waiting area (WA) of the milking parlor (MP) and their behavioral patterns while there and thereby investigate comparative effects on their welfare. The experiments were carried out in 3 loose-housing cowsheds. The study consisted of a total of 3,522 observations of individual dairy cows. Depending on the group size and the number of places in the MP, cows' waiting times in the WA were as high as 1:42:22 (h:mm:ss). In Cowsheds I and II, only one third of cows were observed ruminating in the WA, and up to 52% of cows were observed ruminating in the WA of Cowshed III where the feeding group size was the smallest, waiting time the shortest, and space per cow the largest. Cows spending more time in the WA have limited opportunities to behave normally; therefore, the welfare of these cows in particular is poor.
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Jacobs JA, Ananyeva K, Siegford JM. Dairy cow behavior affects the availability of an automatic milking system. J Dairy Sci 2012; 95:2186-94. [PMID: 22459864 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2011-4749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Facility design can affect the accessibility of an automatic milking system (AMS). In particular, gates and alleys positioned around the AMS may affect cow traffic and cow behavior, potentially affecting the duration of time the AMS is available for milking. Eighty-four Holstein cows of various parities and days in milk were randomly divided between 2 groups, each group having access to its own AMS. Cow locations and behaviors in the AMS entrance and exit areas, as well as in the adjacent holding area, were recorded continuously for 14 d. Cows receiving a "no-milking" decision (i.e., cow is rejected from the milking stall due to a recent milking event) took longer to exit the milking stall (18.2±1.33 s), and were more likely to circle and re-enter the AMS (0.8±0.15) compared with cows receiving a milking decision (16.2±1.09 s; 0.2±0.03). Cows exiting the AMS hesitated for long periods when another cow was near the exit gate (192.93±1.11 s) or in the general holding area (101.04±1.07 s). Cows in late lactation had a greater probability of hesitating in the exit alley for long periods (0.55±0.09) compared with cows in early lactation (0.15±0.07), regardless of whether cows were in the holding area. Primiparous cows were more likely to block other cows trying to exit (0.60±0.13) compared with multiparous cows (0.29±0.09). Occasionally, blocking events led to "back-up" events, in which the AMS became unavailable for new cow access due to a back up of cows through the exit alley into the milking stall. The AMS was empty (not occupied) for 10 and 18% (groups 1 and 2, respectively) of the day; therefore, it was possible that back-up events would simply reduce the amount of time the AMS was empty. The duration of back-up events and AMS empty events had a negative relationship in group 1 (r=-0.74), but no such relationship was observed in group 2. The differences in time budgets between the 2 groups suggest that the effect of back-up events on AMS availability may be dependent on group social dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Jacobs
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA
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Jacobs J, Siegford J. Invited review: The impact of automatic milking systems on dairy cow management, behavior, health, and welfare. J Dairy Sci 2012; 95:2227-47. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2011-4943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Næss G, Bøe K, Østerås O. Layouts for small freestall dairy barns: Effect on milk yield for cows in different parities. J Dairy Sci 2011; 94:1256-64. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2010-3422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Accepted: 11/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Nielsen PP, Pettersson G, Svennersten-Sjaunja KM, Norell L. Technical note: Variation in daily milk yield calculations for dairy cows milked in an automatic milking system. J Dairy Sci 2010; 93:1069-73. [PMID: 20172228 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2009-2419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2009] [Accepted: 11/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P P Nielsen
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Kungsängen Research Centre, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Donohue RH, Kerrisk KL, Garcia SC, Dickeson DA, Thomson PC. Evaluation of two training programs aimed to improve early lactation performance of heifers in a pasture-based automated milking system. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2010. [DOI: 10.1071/an10061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The adaptation success of inexperienced heifers to a pasture-based automated milking system (AMS) is likely to influence the viability and feasibility of the system. This study evaluated two heifer training programs designed to improve adaptation success to determine their impact on early lactation performance within a pasture-based AMS. The two training programs involved heifers calving in spring 2007 (S07) and autumn 2008 (A08) being managed as members of the milking herd for 2 weeks, starting 2 months before their expected calving date. In each calving season, heifers were randomised into two treatment groups with one being fed and teat sprayed (FTS) while visiting the milking stations, while the other group passed through (PT) the milking stations. Milk yield, milking frequency and waiting time were selected as indicators of early lactation performance within an AMS and were reported as values relative to those measured by their experienced herdmates (within calving season). Longer relative waiting times (hours spent in pre-milking area where experienced herdmates = 1.0; FTS: 1.36 vs PT: 1.95; P = 0.006) may have been one cause of the low relative milk production levels reported (range 0.49 S07PT–0.78 A08PT). The milking frequencies of the heifers were in line with their experienced herdmates (range 0.83 S07PT–1.10 A08PT). There were no significant differences between the two training programs, indicating that farmers could adopt either program and expect similar early lactation heifer performance. The choice of program would more likely be affected by AMS utilisation levels, costs of consumables (teat spray and concentrate feed) and any existing desire to feed concentrate to heifers during the training period.
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Time budgets and adrenocortical activity of cows milked in a robot or a milking parlour: interrelationships and influence of social rank. Anim Welf 2009. [DOI: 10.1017/s0962728600000087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AbstractAdrenocortical activity and time budgets in a robotic milking system in two variants of cow traffic (partially forced, free) were compared with a conventional milking system, focusing on the relationships between adrenocortical activity, time budgets, and social rank of the cows. Both groups were housed in identical conditions and consisted of 30 cows each. Within each experiment, direct observations of social behaviour and 24-hour video recordings were conducted during six two-day blocks. We calculated the dominance value and the time budget (‘lying’, ‘feeding’, ‘other activity’) of each cow. Faeces from each cow were collected to determine the concentration of cortisol metabolites (CCM) as an indicator of baseline adrenocortical activity and possible chronic stress. Analysis of CCM and time budgets did not indicate any adverse effects of the robotic milking system, with one exception: under partially-forced cow traffic, cows of low social rank had longer waiting times in front of the robot. Considering the fact that the number of cows milked by the robot was less than half of that recommended by the manufacturers, our results do not exclude the possibility that a higher stocking rate may lead to further adverse effects.
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Gygax L, Neuffer I, Kaufmann C, Hauser R, Wechsler B. Comparison of Functional Aspects in Two Automatic Milking Systems and Auto-Tandem Milking Parlors. J Dairy Sci 2007; 90:4265-74. [PMID: 17699045 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2007-0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Milk yield, milking frequency, intermilking interval, teat-cup attachment success rate, and length of the milking procedure are important functional aspects of automatic milking systems (AMS). In this study, these variables were compared for 2 different models of AMS (AMS-1, with free cow traffic, and AMS-2, with selectively guided cow traffic) and auto-tandem milking parlors (ATM) on 4 farms each. Data on milking-stall visits and milkings of 20 cows were recorded on 3 successive days by means of video observations. Data were evaluated with mixed-effects models. Milk yield did not differ among the 3 milking systems. Milking frequency in the AMS was 2.47/d [95% confidence interval (CI) = (2.38, 2.56)], and was significantly higher than the 2 milkings/d in ATM. Milking frequency was lower for cows with a higher number of days in milk (DIM) in AMS-1 [change of -0.057/10 DIM, CI = (-0.070, -0.044)], but remained constant for cows with varying DIM in AMS-2 [change of -0.003/10 DIM, CI = (-0.034, 0.027)]. As a consequence, milking frequency was higher in early lactation [by 0.603, CI = (0.102, 1.103)] and lower in late lactation in AMS-1 than in AMS-2 [by -0.397, CI = (-0.785, -0.008)]. The intermilking interval showed the opposite pattern. Teat-cup attachment was more successful in AMS-1 than in AMS-2 (98.4 vs. 94.3% of the milkings), with some variation among farms (range: AMS-1 96.2 to 99.5%; AMS-2 91.5 to 96.1%). The length of the entire milking process did not differ among the milking systems [454 s, CI = (430, 478)], although the preparation phase was longer [changes in comparison with ATM: in AMS-1 by a factor of 2.90, CI = (2.30, 3.65), and in AMS-2 by 5.15, CI = (4.09, 6.48)] and the actual milking phase was shorter in both AMS-1 and AMS-2 than in ATM [changes in comparison with ATM: in AMS-1 by a factor of 0.76, CI = (0.62, 0.94), and in AMS-2 by 0.75, CI = (0.60, 0.93)]. The admission [changes in comparison with ATM: in AMS-1 by a factor of 2.56, CI = (1.55, 4.22), and in AMS-2 by 3.07, CI = (1.86, 5.08)] and preparation phases lasted longer in AMS-2 than in AMS-1, whereas the time required by the cows to leave the milking stall did not differ among the systems [changes in comparison with ATM: in AMS-1 by a factor of 0.89, CI = (0.55, 1.44), and in AMS-2 by 1.02, CI = (0.63, 1.66)]. In conclusion, different technical approaches to automatic milking led to differences in teat-cup attachment success rates, in the duration of several phases of the milking process, and in milking frequency. The capacity of an AMS could be further improved by shortening the preparation phase and reducing the proportion of failed milkings.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Gygax
- Centre for Proper Housing of Ruminants and Pigs, Federal Veterinary Office, Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon Research Station ART, Tänikon, Ettenhausen 8356, Switzerland.
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