Passive methods of modifying cow posture for automated and robotic milking systems

Abstract

Development of robotic attachment of teat cups will make fully automatic milking systems a possibility in the near future. This paper describes work to modify the position of cows in automatic milking systems. Passive methods to induce a cow to stand in postures that improve the operational efficiency of the robotic arm were tested. The effect of six floor treatments on the foot position, foot movement and accessibility of the teats of cows was observed. A slatted floor increased the duration for which cows stood with their rear feet in the unslatted area but in general the floor treatments had little effect on the position of the rear feet. There was a more significant difference (P < 0·1%) between the way in which each cow positioned its feet than between the effect of the treatments. The placing of the rear feet was symmetrical in the forward direction. An angled central ridge between the hind legs caused a significant (P < 0·1%) increase in the number of movements of the hind legs. A significant improvement (P < 0·1%) in the accessibility of the udder was achieved by raising the height of the floor under the front feet.