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milk color, which are indicators of udder health. This has allowed Ahlem to catch mastitis about two days before symptoms appear and pull the cow, if needed, from the milking string for medical treatment. Once all four cups retract, the robot sprays the teats with iodine, and the cow exits. The entire pre-milking and milking averages about six minutes per animal. Because cows aren’t limited to being milked twice a day as they were before, Ahlem said they typically average slightly more than three times per day. This has equated to each cow producing more milk per day on average. The robotic system also has allowed him to see real-time data, including individual milk production, feed consumption and conversion efficiency, and health alerts. This has helped him make more informed decision about culling animals. When Ahlem originally developed his financial plan for the conversion, he con- servatively figured a seven-year payback based just on labor savings. With accom- panying increases in workers’ compen- sation and health insurance as well as improved milk production, he said that payback could be shortened to five years. “I think we could have been at a three- year payback if interest rates hadn’t peak- ed,” he said. (Vicky Boyd is a reporter in Modesto. She may be contacted at vlboyd@att.net.)
It ultimately came down to a Lely mainte- nance cost study and an in-person tour of a robotic Modesto dairy to convince the financial institution to loan the money for Countyline’s remodel. Unlike his previous conventional system in which cows were milked twice a day on schedule, the free-flow system allows ani- mals to decide when. Without herders yell- ing at wayward animals, the barns are qui- eter, and Ahlem said the cows are calmer. Divided among his four freestall barns are 32 Lely Astronaut A5s robotic milking machines. Cows are grouped in pens, each outfitted with four robots. Ahlem described the dairy’s conversion as more remodeling than new construc- tion. Installation was done in phases, so a portion of the cows and workers could become trained and get used to the new robots before moving to the next pen. “You’re not herding them—that was one of the hardest things to break,” he said. “It took about three days to get the cows going to the robots and about three weeks to get things flowing.” Having milking opportunities close by reduced the distance the cows walked each day to the milking barn—from more than 1 mile to 223 feet. As a result, Ahlem said he has seen less lameness and better hoof health.
With an automatic milker, a computer helps monitor milking and feeding schedules. Robotic arms extend brushes for stimulating milk letdown and then wash and blow dry teats after milking.
Each animal wears an activity monitor, sometimes called a ‘cow Fitbit,’ around her neck to track several health indicators and identify her electronically. As she enters the robotic milker, a computer reads the collar to determine if enough time has elapsed from her last milking or whether she just wants the tasty feed concentrate, which each cow receives based on her milk production. If she’s a frequent visitor, the computer
quickly retracts the feed box and the cow exits. If she meets the time criteria, a laser scans the udder and compares it to existing maps on file to guide robotic activities. Brushes extend to wash the teats twice, stimulating milk letdown, and a blower dries them. Mechanical hands then place a milking cup on each teat. As the vacuum kicks on and milk initially starts to flow, an optical sensor scans the liquid for EC, or electrical conductivity, and
EXCELLENCE IN AGRICULTURE AWARD, ACHIEVEMENT AWARD & DISCUSSION MEET COMPETITION
California Farm Bureau is excited to recognize farmers, ranchers, and agriculturalists between the ages of 18-35 for their impact on the agriculture field! Apply TODAY for a YF&R Award! • The Achievement Award recognizes members for their achievements in production agriculture and leadership. • The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes members who are actively contributing and growing through involvement in Farm Bureau and the agriculture industry. • The Discussion Meet Competition is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant at the table. Visit CFBF.com/YFR to learn more and apply. Deadlines for Applications: Achievement and Excellence in Agriculture Awards are due by August 31. Discussion Meet competition is due by October 31.
July 31, 2024 Ag Alert 7
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