Structural and Functional Models for Building New Generation Automated and Robotic Dairy Farms

Abstract

The authors showed that large dairy complexes for over 2,000 cows create an increased environmental burden on the environment. The main tasks arising in this case were named: creating an optimal indoor microclimate for different age and gender groups of animals; providing sparing and comfortable modes of technological, veterinary and sanitary care and keeping animals; waste recycling; increasing the productive longevity of cows up to 4-5 lactations. (Research purpose) To develop methodologies for modular construction of an expanded standard-size range of new generation automated and robotic livestock farms. (Materials and methods) The authors proposed the main criteria and indicators for building a "smart" farm: minimum feed costs per unit of production; reduced energy consumption; optimal capital intensity of equipment and engineering structures per one livestock place; the minimum cost per unit of production with its high quality. The authors received the criterion equation for the total functional of the dairy farm. (Results and discussion) The authors analyzed the structural and functional diagrams of various configuration and size dairy farms (T-H-shaped), including combined storage farms, which make it possible to create a combined functional and logistics infrastructure consisting of standard modular units. The authors proposed the concept of building a technological module for a "smart" robotic farm for 400 heads with combined sectional feed and waste storage facilities, a robotic milking parlor, a multifunctional electrified robotic feed loader-pusher-dispenser and equipment for microclimate differentiated provision. (Conclusions) The authors developed methods, models, structural and functional schemes for modular construction of new generation automated and robotic dairy farms of various shapes and sizes. Their following advantages were confirmed: the optimal construction time, a sparing effect on biological objects and the environment, an increase in the production digitalization and automation level, the animal productive longevity, the dairy farming profitability in general.