Building design makes the most of milking robots
Building design and cow flow should be high on the agenda of dairy farmers wanting to make the most of robotic milking systems, according to experts.
Most producers find it best to house cows throughout their lactation, so they have easy access to the milking machines. However, this means it is even more important to provide healthy and comfortable living conditions to maximise cow welfare and productivity.
“To get the right cow flow and group sizes to work, the whole system really does have to be well designed,” says John Allen, partner at Kite Consulting.
Key considerations include passage width and layout, location of the robots, cubicle size and comfort, lighting and air flow.
“Ventilation is a massive issue – a lot of older buildings are very poorly ventilated, especially during the summer months,” says Mr Allen.
Andrew Foote, who milks 60 cows at Worthen Farm, Pyworthy, Devon, installed robotic milking machines three years ago following a review of the business. “We used to sell freshly calved heifers, but the threat of TB restricting our trade meant we decided to concentrate on milking instead.”
The existing cubicle building was extremely dark and in need of updating, so he stripped off the solid walls and replaced them with ventilated wall sheets to let in more light and air. These colour-coated metal sheets are 25% perforated in the form of tiny holes, improving overall ventilation but with less risk of draughts or water ingress. “We have solid walls up to cow height, and the wall sheets above that, which project a lot of light into the shed and create a nice air flow,” says Mr Foote.
“We have skylights and a vent in the roof ridge, which takes warm, moist air up and out of the shed. It’s definitely a healthier, more pleasant environment.” The cows are bedded on sand cubicles and are milking an average of 3.2 times a day.
“I’m quite happy with that, and the cows are very relaxed and content,” he adds. “They can take themselves off for a drink or something to eat, be milked when they want, and lie down when they want – it’s really working very well.”
Farm building design will be under the spotlight at a special RIDBA conference on Friday 19 April at the Guildhall, Bath. Covering the whole range of issues facing agriculture and the farm buildings industry, it will be of interest to farmers, designers, and associated industries. A full programme of the event is available. To reserve a place book online or call 01449 676049.