Forced versus free traffic in an automated milking system

Abstract

Cows in automated milking systems with free access to feeders sometimes show a reduced use of the robotic milkers, while forced traffic where cows have to pass through the robot to reach the feeders may reduce feeding time and frequency. We examined two groups of 35 lactating cows. For 21 d, one group had free access to feeders, while the other group had to pass through the robot to reach feed. For a subsequent 21 d period, the treatments were reversed. The behaviour of the cows was observed for 3 periods of 24 h using 10 min scan sampling. Milking data were obtained from the robot milkers. The average number of visits to the robot, either with or without milking, did not differ between the two types of traffic. On average cows lay down for 12.3 h/d, with no significant difference between free and forced traffic. The type of traffic did not affect the duration of time spent in the feeding area. With both forced and free traffic, there was marked diurnal variation in feeding, with relatively little feeding occurring between 2200 h and 0800 h. Use of forced traffic did not reduce feeding time. It did not improve access to the robot milker or eliminate diurnal variation. Differences between cows in visits to the robot may reflect differences in their motivation to rest and eat concentrates.