The latest version of Lely’s Astronaut A3 robot milker – called the A3 Next – has a new look, easier cleaning and servicing and an improved management system.

The latter includes what the Dutch company calls dynamic feeding and milking, which takes into account the individual animal’s response (in terms of milk production) to the concentrate provided or milk intervals. Lely says this will improve individual cow health and reduce concentrate costs.

The milk quality sensor is now in the Astronaut arm, giving faster and more accurate detection and measurement of milk flow. The milk quality system, which measures the somatic cell count in each quarter, has been improved too.

The new model is also compatible with the existing Lely Astronaut A3 and will be available in mid-2009.