What could be suspected of the capacity of an AMS under Australian, pasture based, conditions?
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René Kolbach
May 25, 2009, 3:51:30 PM5/25/09
to FutureDairy
Hello FutureDairy Google Group users,
Great to see there has been a discussion group set up in Australia! I
think it is very important that sufficient knowledge is been
transferred from on farmer to an other. And that ideas of practical
users of AMS can be used by FutureDairy to refine a system suitable in
Australia.
I’m already user of AMS since 2002, this system is different from
Australian standards, and not pasture-based. I know what is capacity
is of the system within a indoor based system. But what can be
suspected in a pasture-based system in Australia?!
- How will the cows be attracted to the AMS, it should be voluntary,
but how do you think to realize this?
- What would be the capacity of the AMS, in numbers of milkings/cow/
day; or kg milk per unit per day?
I really look forward to a informative discussion where, I think, we
can help each other by making AMS in Australia successful.
Best Regards,
René Kolbach
Great to see there has been a discussion group set up in Australia! I
think it is very important that sufficient knowledge is been
transferred from on farmer to an other. And that ideas of practical
users of AMS can be used by FutureDairy to refine a system suitable in
Australia.
I’m already user of AMS since 2002, this system is different from
Australian standards, and not pasture-based. I know what is capacity
is of the system within a indoor based system. But what can be
suspected in a pasture-based system in Australia?!
- How will the cows be attracted to the AMS, it should be voluntary,
but how do you think to realize this?
- What would be the capacity of the AMS, in numbers of milkings/cow/
day; or kg milk per unit per day?
I really look forward to a informative discussion where, I think, we
can help each other by making AMS in Australia successful.
Best Regards,
René Kolbach
Kendra Davis
May 26, 2009, 7:43:30 PM5/26/09
to futur...@googlegroups.com
Hello everyone
Firstly thank you to you all for registering for the FutureDairy Google Group, and thanks Rene for starting up discussion.
With regard to AMS utilisation in a pasture-based system, we would not expect to achieve the same utilisation levels that are achievable in an indoor system or more specifically when cows are being fed TMR. Grazing cows are more likely to have a defined sleep period during which very few cows visit the milking units.
As in any system utilisation is affected by the number of cows in milk and the number of times they are milked each day (milking frequency). These factors themselves are largely affected by the intensity of system and the calving spread. In a well-managed pasture-based system we would generally expect the system utilisation to peak (for a reasonable period) at around 80% (i.e. just over 19 hours a day the machines are actually milking cows). Obviously there will be individual days when the utilisation is higher but the average of a number of days or weeks should peak at around 180%. This could also be expressed as around 150 milkings per day or around 2,000 litres harvested per machine per day.
The numbers I mention here would typically be the peaks for a pasture based system with around 65-70% of diet as pasture and the remainder being made up of supplementary feed and concentrate. The cows would be producing around 7-8000 litres annually.
I am sure other people in the industry would be able to support these numbers for pasture based farms. Out of interest what sort of utilisation are you generally achieving on your indoor/barn system?
Kind Regards
Kendra Kerrisk
AMS Leader (FutureDairy)
René Kolbach
May 27, 2009, 4:15:11 PM5/27/09
to futur...@googlegroups.com
I agree with you that the utilisation depends on several factors. What we found, while working with the AMS, the more cows you milk will not automatically results in more milkings/cow/day. The total amount of milk harvested per unit will obvious increase with the increased number of cows milked. So the question is in this case, what will you target: More kg milk per unit, or a more easier way of working (with less cows) and more milkings per cow/dag.
Last month we had 75 cows in milk. The follow utilization was achieved:
Number of milkings per day: 180
Avg. number of milkings/cow/day: 2.5
Time per milking: 7min15
Kg milk harvested: 2300kg (31kg/cow/day)
Machine time: 22 hour
Refusals (cows to early): 45
Kg milk/milking: 13.8kg
If there are any questions, feel free to ask them.
Best regards, René Kolbach
> Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 09:43:30 +1000
> From: kendra...@usyd.edu.au
> To: futur...@googlegroups.com
Kendra Davis
May 28, 2009, 3:36:23 PM5/28/09
to futur...@googlegroups.com
Hi Rene, the data you presented with regard to your system shows nicely exactly what we have come to expect from a well managed European style system with high machine utilisation, and high levels of milk harvested per machine per day. Thanks for providing that data for our readers.
Generally we find that the more cows you milk, the lower the milking frequency per cow unless there is plenty of spare capacity with the machines.
The question regarding more milk harvested per milking unit per day with higher cow:robot ratio OR less cows per robot with cows having a higher milking frequency is often determined by the type of feed available, location of feed and target annual production per cow.
I would not necessarily say that less cow with a higher milking frequency is an easier option for us. This would more likely be the case in a barn or in a system with short walking distances from the paddock to the dairy and moderate to high levels of supplementation either in the dairy or on a feedpad close to the dairy. In an extensive pasture based system with low levels of supplementation combined with long walking distances increasing the higher target milking frequency per cow may be very difficult to achieve. The same is true when the farm layout only allows for the allocation of two pasture breaks per day rather than the preferred regime of offering three allocations of feed per day.
So, generally when farmers are contemplating AMS and trying to figure out how they will implement it, I have to ask some key questions around target cow production, distance from dairy to paddocks, farm layout (particularly to determine feasibility of 2 vs. 3 way grazing), level of supplementation (potential average and max during 12 months), location of supplementary feeding and whether the feedpad (if there is a feedpad) has a loafing area associated with it or not. Answers to all of these questions help to develop a picture of whether or not they will be needing a system that operates at a high ratio of cows:robots (therefore standard ~2 milkings/cow/day) or low ratio of cows:robots with higher milking frequency per cow per day.
It is interesting to note that the NZ research work was at the extreme of what I am talking about, they had low producing cows (by Australian standards) - 3-3,500 litres/cow/year, very extensive pasture based system (95% of feed from pasture) and walking distances around 1 km from paddocks furthest from dairy. They have historically run the system with about 90 cows per robot and a reduced target milking frequency around 1.3-1.5 milkings per cow per day to optimise the volume of milk harvested per machine.
I believe there is no right or wrong answer to the question of more cows/robot or less cows with higher milking frequency as so many factors affect the decision, the important point is that careful consideration be given to this question within the bounds of the system that is to be operated on any given farm.
Kind Regards
Kendra Kerrisk (nee Davis)
FutureDairy
From: futur...@googlegroups.com on behalf of René Kolbach
Sent: Thu 28/05/2009 6:15 AM
To: futur...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [FutureDairy] Re: What could be suspected of the capacity of an AMS under Australian, pasture based, conditions?
Juergen Steen
Jun 3, 2009, 5:09:32 PM6/3/09
to futur...@googlegroups.com
Is the capacity of Australian pasture based AMS systems likely to be lower
than in an European AMS utilizing barns?
My answer is no, more likely higher! (using milk harvested / unit / day
as benchmark)
Kendra describes correctly the pasture based AMS system with its own unique
set of challenges, Rene seems to have the unique challenges in a barn
environment mastered. Rene, what are your strategies your are using to
achieve the 2300l per day? We have seen AMS in Australia producing the same
volume for weeks during the spring peak. After the recent installations in
the last 9 month down under we will have more observations regarding system
capacity.
Having worked in AMS systems in both scenarios in the last 14 years I see
the most significant differences in the following areas:
Cow comfort: having cows on concrete 24/7 in a barn with stalls for the
cows to sleep in is even in the best case scenario a compromise for cow
comfort. Nothing beats the paddock. Cows are a more exposed to the
weather out in the paddocks though. Issues with cow comfort usually
result in reduced mobility, extended laying periods and finally lameness
with negative impacts on AMS performance.
In a barn we have a high level of competition and ranking amongst the
cows. The next cow is usually less than 5m away. Out in the paddocks
that is unknown and cows can move freely, especially in an AMS scenario
undisturbed to wherever they want to.
Cows down under have been selected (unintentionally) for high milk flows
and good milkability due to the need for efficient / high capacity
traditional milking systems.
Cows down under have been more selected for good mobility and tight
udders. Otherwise they don't last in a grazing system. Extreme teat
placement that would slow down AMS attachment are rare down under.
Replacement rates down under are lower and
heifer replacements down under cost about 50% of the European => animal
selection for improved AMS performance can go much faster.
I see the European farmer aiming for a high per cow yield and therefore
using a higher target milking frequency. Under Australian conditions
the per AMS milk yield is more important and I see a lower target
milking frequency (assuming the same per cow production) and therefore
more milk per milking. More milk per milking drives AMS yield.
The biggest milestone for AMS system capacity down under was the
introduction of ABC grazing as an evolution of the AB system. AB works
like the traditional milking with a day paddock and a night paddock. ABC
introduces another grazing break. There is defenitly scope to take his
further (ABCD, ABAB etc). time will tell
Norther Hemisphere style TMR system tend to overfeed cows, especially
late lactation cows can show extreme condition scores. We see in those
conditions that cows become lazy AMS visitors (lazy cow syndrome),
especially is acidosis and lameness is involved. Fat cows are virtually
unknown down under.
It is quit amazing how well AMS works in a pasture based system if set up
properly. If I would have a choice, I would go pasture over barns any time!
One benchmark where the European AMS will be superior is in milk harvested/
unit/ year due to the all year round calving pattern. Pasture based systems
will have too many ups and downs in milk yield per day using seasonal
calving patterns.
best regards,
Jurgen Steen
Manager Dairy Equipment South West Pacific
Lely Australia PTY LTD
48 Mackay Street, Rochester
3561 Victoria, Australia
Phone: +61 354 844000
Fax: +61 354 841 513
Mobile: +61 417 102 303
jst...@lely.com
www.lely.com
"Kendra Davis"
<kendra.davis@usy
d.edu.au> To
Sent by: <futur...@googlegroups.com>
futuredairy@googl cc
egroups.com
AM under Australian, pasture based,
conditions?
Please respond to
futuredairy@googl
egroups.com
If there are any questions, feel free to ask them.
Best regards, René Kolbach,
than in an European AMS utilizing barns?
My answer is no, more likely higher! (using milk harvested / unit / day
as benchmark)
Kendra describes correctly the pasture based AMS system with its own unique
set of challenges, Rene seems to have the unique challenges in a barn
environment mastered. Rene, what are your strategies your are using to
achieve the 2300l per day? We have seen AMS in Australia producing the same
volume for weeks during the spring peak. After the recent installations in
the last 9 month down under we will have more observations regarding system
capacity.
Having worked in AMS systems in both scenarios in the last 14 years I see
the most significant differences in the following areas:
Cow comfort: having cows on concrete 24/7 in a barn with stalls for the
cows to sleep in is even in the best case scenario a compromise for cow
comfort. Nothing beats the paddock. Cows are a more exposed to the
weather out in the paddocks though. Issues with cow comfort usually
result in reduced mobility, extended laying periods and finally lameness
with negative impacts on AMS performance.
In a barn we have a high level of competition and ranking amongst the
cows. The next cow is usually less than 5m away. Out in the paddocks
that is unknown and cows can move freely, especially in an AMS scenario
undisturbed to wherever they want to.
Cows down under have been selected (unintentionally) for high milk flows
and good milkability due to the need for efficient / high capacity
traditional milking systems.
Cows down under have been more selected for good mobility and tight
udders. Otherwise they don't last in a grazing system. Extreme teat
placement that would slow down AMS attachment are rare down under.
Replacement rates down under are lower and
heifer replacements down under cost about 50% of the European => animal
selection for improved AMS performance can go much faster.
I see the European farmer aiming for a high per cow yield and therefore
using a higher target milking frequency. Under Australian conditions
the per AMS milk yield is more important and I see a lower target
milking frequency (assuming the same per cow production) and therefore
more milk per milking. More milk per milking drives AMS yield.
The biggest milestone for AMS system capacity down under was the
introduction of ABC grazing as an evolution of the AB system. AB works
like the traditional milking with a day paddock and a night paddock. ABC
introduces another grazing break. There is defenitly scope to take his
further (ABCD, ABAB etc). time will tell
Norther Hemisphere style TMR system tend to overfeed cows, especially
late lactation cows can show extreme condition scores. We see in those
conditions that cows become lazy AMS visitors (lazy cow syndrome),
especially is acidosis and lameness is involved. Fat cows are virtually
unknown down under.
It is quit amazing how well AMS works in a pasture based system if set up
properly. If I would have a choice, I would go pasture over barns any time!
One benchmark where the European AMS will be superior is in milk harvested/
unit/ year due to the all year round calving pattern. Pasture based systems
will have too many ups and downs in milk yield per day using seasonal
calving patterns.
best regards,
Jurgen Steen
Manager Dairy Equipment South West Pacific
Lely Australia PTY LTD
48 Mackay Street, Rochester
3561 Victoria, Australia
Phone: +61 354 844000
Fax: +61 354 841 513
Mobile: +61 417 102 303
jst...@lely.com
www.lely.com
"Kendra Davis"
<kendra.davis@usy
d.edu.au> To
Sent by: <futur...@googlegroups.com>
futuredairy@googl cc
egroups.com
Subject
[FutureDairy] Re: What could be
29/05/2009 05:36 suspected of the capacity of an AMS
[FutureDairy] Re: What could be
AM under Australian, pasture based,
conditions?
Please respond to
futuredairy@googl
egroups.com
From: futur...@googlegroups.com on behalf of René Kolbach
Sent: Thu 28/05/2009 6:15 AM
To: futur...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [FutureDairy] Re: What could be suspected of the capacity of an
AMS under Australian, pasture based, conditions?
I agree with you that the utilisation depends on several factors. What we
found, while working with the AMS, the more cows you milk will not
automatically results in more milkings/cow/day. The total amount of milk
harvested per unit will obvious increase with the increased number of cows
milked. So the question is in this case, what will you target: More kg milk
per unit, or a more easier way of working (with less cows) and more
milkings per cow/dag.
Last month we had 75 cows in milk. The follow utilization was achieved:
Number of milkings per day: 180
Avg. number of milkings/cow/day: 2.5
Time per milking: 7min15
Kg milk harvested: 2300kg (31kg/cow/day)
Machine time: 22 hour
Refusals (cows to early): 45
Kg milk/milking: 13.8kg):
Sent: Thu 28/05/2009 6:15 AM
To: futur...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [FutureDairy] Re: What could be suspected of the capacity of an
AMS under Australian, pasture based, conditions?
I agree with you that the utilisation depends on several factors. What we
found, while working with the AMS, the more cows you milk will not
automatically results in more milkings/cow/day. The total amount of milk
harvested per unit will obvious increase with the increased number of cows
milked. So the question is in this case, what will you target: More kg milk
per unit, or a more easier way of working (with less cows) and more
milkings per cow/dag.
Last month we had 75 cows in milk. The follow utilization was achieved:
Number of milkings per day: 180
Avg. number of milkings/cow/day: 2.5
Time per milking: 7min15
Kg milk harvested: 2300kg (31kg/cow/day)
Machine time: 22 hour
Refusals (cows to early): 45
If there are any questions, feel free to ask them.
Kendra Davis
Jun 4, 2009, 10:43:38 PM6/4/09
to futur...@googlegroups.com
Hello all
Thanks for contributing to the discussion Jurgen. I think your point about each system type having its challenges is very valid. All the more reason for the fact that AMS should not dictate the type of system anyone is operating but that it should be able to be accommodated in a predetermined system type.
Out of interest can you provide us with a bit more information about the "weeks during the spring peak" that you saw 2300 litres harvested per day. It would interesting to our readers to be able to put this in context. I guess the key questions I would have in relation to this period would be:
How many weeks was it for?
What was the average number of milkings/unit/day?
What was the average milking frequency of the cows?
What intake level were the cows on during this period?
What was the composition and location of the diet (e.g. x kg as concentrate, y kg as silage in the dairy or in paddock, z kg of pasture (as 3 pasture breaks)?
And finally - what annual production level are these cows doing - 6,000 litres, 9,000 litres etc?
Answers to these questions will help us all to understand under what circumstances this fantastic level of throughput was achieved.
I look forward to your answers.
Kind Regards
Kendra Kerrisk
FutureDairy AMS Leader
Peter Paradice
Jun 11, 2009, 3:10:31 AM6/11/09
to futur...@googlegroups.com
Hello all
I am interested in the discussion particularly from the point of view of
amortization of the equipment. In our recent dairy feedlot modeling for a
proposed large scale project we used a daily harvest of about 1850 - 1900
litres and on current machine values that volume (in our modeling at least)
makes it problematic to replace labour and traditional parlour with the
machines. In our modeling, lifestyle choice was not a consideration. If we
could move that harvest number up to the sort of peaks noted by Jurgen on an
ongoing basis then it will certainly make the units more affordable for
those who cannot afford to make a lifestyle choice.
Cheers
Peter Paradice
0404 444650
SBS (feedlot advisory services)
I am interested in the discussion particularly from the point of view of
amortization of the equipment. In our recent dairy feedlot modeling for a
proposed large scale project we used a daily harvest of about 1850 - 1900
litres and on current machine values that volume (in our modeling at least)
makes it problematic to replace labour and traditional parlour with the
machines. In our modeling, lifestyle choice was not a consideration. If we
could move that harvest number up to the sort of peaks noted by Jurgen on an
ongoing basis then it will certainly make the units more affordable for
those who cannot afford to make a lifestyle choice.
Cheers
Peter Paradice
0404 444650
SBS (feedlot advisory services)
Juergen Steen
Jun 11, 2009, 10:19:33 PM6/11/09
to futur...@googlegroups.com
Dear Peter,
Thank you for raising this issue because it is very important to understand
how much milk a AMS unit could harvest. Each AMS design has a maximum
milking capacity based on its technical design. On a daily base you would
never aim for utilizing the 100% of the maximum milking capacity.
How high is the maximimum milking capacity? That is a shifting goalpost
because of ongoing technical progress and more experience gained over time.
A lot of people in the industry underestimate the possible maximum milking
capacity, 2300 l/ day / unit is defenitly not the upper limit (speaking of
a Lely ASTRONAUT A3 that I know the best)
How much of the capacity can be utilised on a regular base? 60-80% might be
a good range as a recommendation. The harder you want to drive the system
the more pressure is put on cow flow, cow selection and time management
etc. Again, with more and more systems beeing installed the experience
gained will help to improve utilization levels. Peter, for the challenges
you will face on big scale operations it is advisable to stick with average
levels of utilization for your budgets initially. Improvements will be made
over 2-3 years while the system is fintuned and cows are selected.
Can you push the system harder to cope with seasonal peaks? Yes, especially
with seasonal calving it is easy to put in some extra effort to cope with
the peak milk volumes. Fresh cows with good yields will also help.
best regards,
Jurgen Steen
Manager Dairy Equipment South West Pacific
Lely Australia PTY LTD
48 Mackay Street, Rochester
3561 Victoria, Australia
Phone: +61 354 844000
Fax: +61 354 841 513
Mobile: +61 417 102 303
jst...@lely.com
www.lely.com
"Peter Paradice"
<peterparadice@bi
gpond.com> To
[FutureDairy] Re: Capacity of an
11/06/2009 05:10 AMS under Australian conditions
PM higher than in Europe?
Thank you for raising this issue because it is very important to understand
how much milk a AMS unit could harvest. Each AMS design has a maximum
milking capacity based on its technical design. On a daily base you would
never aim for utilizing the 100% of the maximum milking capacity.
How high is the maximimum milking capacity? That is a shifting goalpost
because of ongoing technical progress and more experience gained over time.
A lot of people in the industry underestimate the possible maximum milking
capacity, 2300 l/ day / unit is defenitly not the upper limit (speaking of
a Lely ASTRONAUT A3 that I know the best)
How much of the capacity can be utilised on a regular base? 60-80% might be
a good range as a recommendation. The harder you want to drive the system
the more pressure is put on cow flow, cow selection and time management
etc. Again, with more and more systems beeing installed the experience
gained will help to improve utilization levels. Peter, for the challenges
you will face on big scale operations it is advisable to stick with average
levels of utilization for your budgets initially. Improvements will be made
over 2-3 years while the system is fintuned and cows are selected.
Can you push the system harder to cope with seasonal peaks? Yes, especially
with seasonal calving it is easy to put in some extra effort to cope with
the peak milk volumes. Fresh cows with good yields will also help.
best regards,
Jurgen Steen
Manager Dairy Equipment South West Pacific
Lely Australia PTY LTD
48 Mackay Street, Rochester
3561 Victoria, Australia
Phone: +61 354 844000
Fax: +61 354 841 513
Mobile: +61 417 102 303
jst...@lely.com
www.lely.com
<peterparadice@bi
gpond.com> To
[FutureDairy] Re: Capacity of an
11/06/2009 05:10 AMS under Australian conditions
PM higher than in Europe?
Juergen Steen
Jun 11, 2009, 10:22:25 PM6/11/09
to futur...@googlegroups.com
Kendra,
pls understand that I can't publish costumer information on the net.
best regards,
Jurgen Steen
Manager Dairy Equipment South West Pacific
Lely Australia PTY LTD
48 Mackay Street, Rochester
3561 Victoria, Australia
Phone: +61 354 844000
Fax: +61 354 841 513
Mobile: +61 417 102 303
jst...@lely.com
www.lely.com
"Kendra Davis"
<kendra.davis@usy
d.edu.au> To
Sent by: <futur...@googlegroups.com>
futuredairy@googl cc
egroups.com
Subject
[FutureDairy] Re: Capacity of an
05/06/2009 12:43 AMS under Australian conditions
pls understand that I can't publish costumer information on the net.
best regards,
Jurgen Steen
Manager Dairy Equipment South West Pacific
Lely Australia PTY LTD
48 Mackay Street, Rochester
3561 Victoria, Australia
Phone: +61 354 844000
Fax: +61 354 841 513
Mobile: +61 417 102 303
jst...@lely.com
www.lely.com
"Kendra Davis"
<kendra.davis@usy
d.edu.au> To
Sent by: <futur...@googlegroups.com>
futuredairy@googl cc
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Subject
05/06/2009 12:43 AMS under Australian conditions
PM higher than in Europe?
Peter Paradice
Jun 12, 2009, 3:33:33 AM6/12/09
to futur...@googlegroups.com
Thanks Jurgen,
That is a fair explanation of the max vs the fair average. Of course over
time systems of higher productivity for each unit of capital cost will
evolve at the 'fair average' to a level of economy where widespread adoption
will occur.
I guess that facilitating 'the evolution' is a primary purpose of this
discussion group.
Kind regards
Peter Paradice
0404 444650
That is a fair explanation of the max vs the fair average. Of course over
time systems of higher productivity for each unit of capital cost will
evolve at the 'fair average' to a level of economy where widespread adoption
will occur.
I guess that facilitating 'the evolution' is a primary purpose of this
discussion group.
Kind regards
Peter Paradice
0404 444650
Kendra Davis
Jun 14, 2009, 4:16:55 PM6/14/09
to futur...@googlegroups.com
Hi there
Jurgen makes some good points. The 1900 litre limit that Peter used would be 76% of potential if potential is 2500 litres/day. Whilst being conservative is safer for the start of a large operation, it is still worthwhile remembering that in a feedlot system you are more likely to be calving year-round therefore spreading the load and not having peaks in machine demand. Also if your feeding area is close to the dairy you may well operate much more similarly to an indoor operation with differentiation between feeding and loafing allowing you to draft cows either as they attempt to move to the loafing area or as they try to traffic back to the loafing area from feeding.
If you are targeting high producing cows you may also try to target milking frequencies higher than 2 x day milking. Then the key question almost shifts to whether or not you should be targeting additional milkings per cow or more cows per machine. The right numbers here will optimise the amount of milk harvested per machine whilst minimising any reduction in milk harvested per cow.
Harvesting efficiency and capital investment per cow may be a better angle to approach this question. If you milk a 35 litre cow twice a day (17.5 litres/milking) how much higher would her production be if you increased her milking frequency to 2.5 times per day. If the answer is a total of 40 litres/day then you have reduced her average yield to 16 litres/milking. On the other hand if she only increases to 37 litres then the harvesting efficiency is reduced to 14.8 litres/milking and you may have been better off bringing another "part of a cow" into the equation.
Anyway, you look at it, if you are not in a position to be looking for lifestyle gains then the increased capital associated with this type of technology is going to take some time to pay back with regard to labour savings, animal health benefits, potentially lower turn-over of staff, and any other benefits that may be realised. I think there is no doubt that technology will continue to change as time progresses and if there is not a solution for your situation today then don't discount the fact that there may well be one in the future. I have heard that some vast improvements in at least one of the multi-box systems may have resulted in a 25% reduction in capital outlay per cow milked. I haven't seen any data to confirm this but at least it may give us hope. Out of interest visit the website https://greensourceautomation.com/products/ to see a robot teat spraying cows on a rotary. On their website they indicate that their next steps with automation are to work on similar solutions for teat preparation and then cup attachment. Who knows how far off they are with commercialisation of these solutions or even if they will be successful in their development, but it seems for now at least, it is something they are working on.
Kind Regards Kendra Kerrisk Senior Scientist FutureDairy
Kendra Davis
Jun 14, 2009, 4:29:29 PM6/14/09
to futur...@googlegroups.com
Fair call, apologies for putting you in that position. It is just difficult to understand the claims and give them full credibility when we don't have an understanding of the system operated during the period. I was just trying to get a feel for how sustainable the situation was and whether it could be repeated in a system whereby the majority of the diet is coming from pasture. Achievements like those you mention are fantastic but I think your most recent email in response to Peter Paradice creates more realistic expectations.
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