By Marcia Endres, University of Minnesota Extension

There is increasing interest in automatic milking systems in the U.S., even though the cost-to-benefit ratio is not yet as good here as in some European countries. But it is a lifestyle choice that is attractive to some producers.

At the annual National Mastitis Council meeting in New Orleans this past January, there was a session on robotic milking. Dutch researchers reported that more than 4,000 farms worldwide were using robots in 2006. That number is growing. In some northwestern European countries, more than 50 percent of new milk installations are automatic milking systems.

The costly aspect of robots is not in steel or other materials, but in electronics. Over time, robots should become less expensive. Reasons for investing in a robotic system are reductions in labor, and more labor flexibility and free time, resulting in a better quality of life.

Two dairy producers shared their experience with milking robots at the meeting. Doyle Waybright from Mason Dixon Farms in Pennsylvania represented a large herd perspective. They are milking about 600 cows with 10 robots; their goal is to milk 2,000 cows with 40 robots.

Skilled labor is required to maintain the robots and interpret the computer’s daily reports. Waybright said one goes from “herding” to “individual cow” management when using the system. Some cows will not adapt to a robot due to temperament or udder traits, including close rear-teat placement.

John Keurentjes from Quebec, Canada, represented a small producer perspective. They are milking 120 cows with two robots. The units have individual teat cups, coming off when a quarter is done, so there is no chance of over-milking. All cows are milked with the robots, including all fresh cows, sick cows and cows to dry up. Milk is diverted as needed. They have very low incidence of mastitis — only one to two cases in summer.

Keurentjes has noticed that cows are much more relaxed than before when they were milked in the parlor. He said, “Each cow has the freedom of her own actions — when to eat and drink, lie down, walk, get groomed and get milked.”

He summarized his experience by saying that “robotic milking creates a new lifestyle. Home at 5 p.m. is not unusual, nor is spending your evenings with your spouse and children. Robotic milking puts the well-being of the cows and farmers to the forefront like never before.”

For a more detailed article, see the dairy Extension site at www.extension.umn.edu/dairy [2].

(Marcia Endres is a dairy scientist with University of Minnesota Extension.)