Introduction Of Automatic Milking Systems Research Articles

Automatic Milking in Greece: First Insight into Udder Health of Dairy Cows

Udder health is a key factor for dairy cows’ productivity and welfare. This study presents the first insight into dairy cows’ udder health after the introduction of automatic milking systems in Greece. Four farms with Holstein dairy cows and automatic milking systems enrolled in the study. Data from their milking records were utilized, from January 2020 to December 2021. Variables employed in the assessment were cow daily milk yield (DMY), number of daily milkings / cow, individual cow somatic cell count (SCC), proportion of cows with elevated somatic cell count (ELSCC) / month, proportion of cows with chronically ELSCC (ChrELSCC) / month and number of new ELSCC (NewELSCC) cases per 100 cows / month. Two years’ mean milking frequency was 2.72 milkings / cow / day, ranged from 2.47 to 2.98, and decreased from 2020 to 2021. Mean cow SCC was 193,000 cells/mL, ranged from 70,000 to 260,000 cells/mL, and increased from 2020 to 2021. Mean cow DMY was 37.2 kg, ranged from 29.6 to 43.6 kg. Heifers had lower mean SCC than cows and mean SCC increased from early to late lactation stages. On a monthly basis, 37.06 % and 40.06 % of the cows were ELSCC in 2020 and 2021, respectively, and most of them were chronic. The highest ELSCC was observed in late lactation stage. Fresh cows presented the highest number of NewELSCC / 100 cows / month, both years of the study. Overall udder health in the four automatic milking farms of this study was better than conventional farms in Greece. Precision dairy farming should utilize daily milking data for data-driven management, monitoring of chronically ELSCC, and early detection, treatment and prevention of new infections.

Comparison of raw cow milk microbiota in two milking systems: A field study

Abstract This study investigated the effect of different milking systems on the milk composition and microbial community of raw milk in a commercial dairy farm. Raw milk samples from conventional milking system (CMS) and automatic milking system (AMS) were collected and the microbiota on each was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results showed that the acetone (P = 0.031) and β-hydroxybutyrate (P≤0.001) levels in the raw milk of the AMS group were increased compared with the CMS group. Principal component analysis, unweighted and weighted principal coordinates analysis, and heat map of microbial community composition in the raw milk showed a clear separation between two groups. AMS increased the abundance of the genera Acinetobacter (FDR = 0.004) and Staphylococcus (FDR = 0.004) in the raw milk compared with the CMS group. In contrast, the abundance of the genera Pseudomonas (FDR = 0.028), Lactococcus (FDR = 0.015), Sphingobacterium (FDR = 0.004), Brevundimonas (FDR = 0.005), and Chryseobacterium (FDR = 0.042) in the raw milk was reduced in the AMS group compared with the CMS group. The abundance of the genera Acinetobacter and Staphylococcus in the raw milk was positively correlated with the β-hydroxybutyrate, acetone, free fatty acid, citric acid, and urea nitrogen levels. Furthermore, the abundance of the genus Acinetobacter in the raw milk was negatively correlated with the somatic cell counts. The study demonstrates that the introduction of AMS in the dairy farm can regulate microbiota composition in the raw milk and this modification may exert an effect on reducing the somatic cell counts in the raw milk.

Minimally Invasive Markers of Stress and Production Parameters in Dairy Cows before and after the Installation of a Voluntary Milking System.

Simple SummaryThis research was carried out to investigate changing stress levels in dairy cows when changing from convention milking to an automatic milking system (AMS). Elevated stress levels can cause problems with immunity and reproduction. Stress in cows can be measured using cortisol levels found in saliva and hair (among others). AMS require fewer herds people and are associated with a higher milking frequency and higher milk yields. In this study, we present short-term and long-term cortisol levels in 10 and 12 cows respectively, over a period of 3–12 months. Hair and saliva samples were obtained with minimal restraint to the cow and analysed in the laboratory. Mixed models were applied to determine the effect of various parameters on cortisol levels. These show that non-lame cows had a reduction in salivary levels after AMS installation. Lameness and pregnancy affected salivary but not hair cortisol. Hair cortisol levels increased after installation, but this effect may have been seasonal. Milk yield increased and udder health improved across the whole herd but there was no change in the poor foot health. Our results show that AMS improves production and is not associated with an increase in cow stress. We recommend that welfare, natural behaviour and foot health are considered when introducing automatic milking systems.Automatic milking systems (AMS) are a low-labour alternative to conventional parlours, with previous studies demonstrating that cows vary in their ability to cope with the change to AMS. Cortisol expression can be combined with other measures to assess stress: saliva and hair have the advantage of requiring minimally invasive sampling. No work has investigated the long-term impact of introduction of AMS. The aims of the study were to assess short-term and chronic stress associated with a change in milking system by measuring salivary and hair cortisol levels and to assess the impact on health and production parameters. Cows from one farm changing their milking system were recruited to the study and sampled for saliva (n = 10) and hair (n = 12) before and after installation. Cortisol levels were measured using a salivary cortisol enzyme immunoassay kit. Body condition, lameness and milk parameters of the whole herd were regularly assessed. Salivary cortisol showed no diurnal pattern but was affected by lameness and gestation. Non-lame cows showed a reduction in salivary cortisol after AMS introduction (p < 0.001). Hair cortisol levels increased after AMS, but it was unclear if this change was seasonal. Milk yield increased by 13% and somatic cell count reduced by 28%. Body condition score was consistently good, but lameness remained high throughout the study. Production values alone do not represent high welfare. The high lameness and associated cortisol levels suggest that cow stress requires consideration when changing milking systems.

Long-term variability of bulk milk somatic cell and bacterial counts associated with dairy farms moving from conventional to automatic milking systems

When a farm that was using a conventional milking system introduces an automatic milking system (AMS) possible risk factors can affect milk quality. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of milking with automatic milking systems on milk quality variables over a long time-period post-installation. Bulk milk total bacterial count (BMTBC) and somatic cell count (BMSCC) were analysed and compared from 2 years before introduction of automatic milking until 4 years after. Differences regarding these quality parameters were contrasted using t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc comparisons were performed. A significant increase in BMTBC was observed during the first three months after introduction of AMS, counts then declined to equivalent levels pre-AMS installation, from 25,000 to 50,000 cfu mL−1. Although differences were significant for the first two years post-installation, they became non-significant during the following two years. The difference in BMSCC was not statistically significant between pre and post-AMS installation time periods, but by grouping data into annual periods, significantly higher values of BMSCC were found during the first year after introduction. Nevertheless, these values decreased over time and even showed a significant improvement in the third year with respect to pre-introduction. The data show that the installation of AMS had a marked impact on milk quality. However, as soon as farmers become accustomed to managing the new equipment and the adaption of cows is real, a level of milk quality which can be maintained over time is achievable.

Change Management in Dairy Farming

Policy changes and the introduction of AMSs (automatic milking systems) have accelerated changes in the Norwegian dairy sector. Loose housing, joint farming operations and AMSs are in some cases introduced all at once or over a short period. Thus the ability to manage technical and organizational change successfully is becoming increasingly important for dairy farmers. To explore how farmers manage change we visited and interviewed four farmers who have invested in new loose housing and AMSs since 2003. Three of them have also entered joint farming. Further, we interviewed four dairy farming consultants. In this article we explore change using a change framework. We present and analyse four farm cases in depth and develop a conceptual model for change management on dairy farms. Our cases show that new technologies and farming systems can be introduced on similar farms with very different results. Continuous gradual changes, former experience with change, inner motivation, deliberate use of consultants, and careful planning of joint farming operations have a positive impact on farming performance during and after change. A key finding is that change should be recognized as a managerial challenge and not only as a matter of implementing new technology.

Behavioural changes in dairy cows with lameness in an automatic milking system

There is a tendency worldwide for the automation of farms; this has included the introduction of automatic milking systems (AMS) in the dairy industry. Lameness in dairy cows is highly prevalent and painful. These impacts potentially affect not only animal welfare, but also farm economies. Three independent observational studies were carried out to assess the impact of lameness on the behaviour of zero grazed high yielding Holstein cows managed in an AMS. The aim of the first study was to examine the impact of lameness on rumination time, the second study investigated differences between lame and sound dairy cows in total eating time and the third study assessed the impact of lameness on milking behaviour (frequency and time of visits to the AMS). In the first study data from 150 cows were used to analyse rumination (collected using rumination collars) for the 48h following locomotion scoring. A multilevel linear regression demonstrated that lameness had a small but significant negative association (coefficient: −7.88 (SE: 3.93)) with rumination. In the second study the behaviour of eleven matched lame and sound pairs of cows at the feed face was analysed for 24h after locomotion scoring. Each feeding behaviour variable (total duration time, frequency of feeding bouts and length of bouts) was analysed using individual single level regression models. There was a significant negative association between total feeding time and lameness (coefficient: −73.65 (SE: 25.47)) and the frequency of feeding bouts and lameness (−9.93 (2.49)). Finally, the third observational study used 38 matched pairs of lame and sound cows. Data on the number and timings of visits to the AMS were collected for 24h after each locomotion score and analysed using a binomial logistic regression model. There was a significant difference in AMS visits between groups; lame animals visiting the robot less frequently than sound cows (median difference 0.50 milking visits; T=256.0; N=25; p=0.01) and lame cows were 0.33 times less likely to visit the AMS between 24:01 and 06:00. Results from these studies reveal that lameness in an AMS affected feeding behaviour, rumination and AMS visits. All of these impacts are likely to have negative consequences for farm profitability, but also implications for the health and welfare of the animals.

Introduction of automatic milking system in Finland effect on milk quality

When an automatic milking system (AMS) is introduced on a farm the milking of cows and related work is changed in many ways compared to farms with traditional milking systems. The objective of this paper was to study the effect of the introduction of robotic milking in Finland on the composition and hygienic quality of milk. The study was carried out on three farms which were the first in Finland to introduce the automatic milking system (Volontary Milking System™). Main chemical composition, somatic cell count, total bacteria count, freezing point, free fatty acids, as well as Bacillus cereus, Clostridium spores, psychrotrophic bacteria and coliforms were determined. After the introduction of the automatic milking system an increase in somatic cell count and total bacteria count, psychrotrophic bacteria and coliforms was observed; however, the differences were not statistically significant. The counts for Clostridium spores were at the same level in the automatic and the conventional milking system. Bacillus cereus counts were very low in both milking systems studied. Milk fat content and free fatty acids were elevated when AMS was introduced. The introduction of AMS resulted in a significant increase (P &lt; 0.01) in the freezing point during the first three months. Though there was a trend that the overall quality of milk was impaired after the introduction of AMS, the quality of milk remained at premium class.;

Systems In Organic Dairy Production

The aim of this study was to explore stakeholder perceptions of the contribution of an Automatic Milking System (AMS) to sustainable development of organic dairy production in Denmark and the Netherlands. In addition, reasons for the current difference in AMS use on organic dairy farms between both countries were explored. To answer above mentioned aims, farmers and advisors in both countries were interviewed using a focus group approach. Questions of the interviews were based on a literature review on sustainability issues affected by introduction of AMS. Participants expressed no moral problems regarding AMS use. They, however, pointed out uncertainty about the economic gain, difficulties with grazing, adaptation problems to technology, and image problems towards consumers. The latter results from a reduction in grazing time affecting both animal welfare and product quality. The participants did not recognize eutrophication, as result of high stocking density on farmstead lots, as a problem caused by AMS. The milk quality problem related to AMS use, although acknowledged as crucial towards consumers, was not prioritized very highly, especially not by the farmers in both countries. All groups were, however, unanimous in their perception of how important image was as far as the consumers are concerned. The perception analysis revealed that Dutch participants were more concerned about the economic payoff of AMS use, and showed more reluctance towards enlargement than Danish ones. In addition, they acknowledged the small-scale naturalness of organic production. These differences in perception could possibly explain observed differences in AMS use in organic dairy production between Denmark and the Netherlands.

Robotic milking and milk quality: effects on bacterial counts, somatic cell counts, freezing point and free fatty acids

Changes in milk quality after the introduction of automatic milking systems (AM-systems) on dairy farms in The Netherlands, Germany and Denmark were examined and the data were compared with milk quality results of farms with conventional milking technology. After introduction, a small, but significant increase in total bacterial count, somatic cell count, freezing point and free fatty acids was observed. The highest levels for total plate count and cell count are found in the first six months after introduction. After this period the milk quality slightly improves to a more stable level.Risk factors related with milk quality concern general farm characteristics, animal health, AM-system, cleaning and cooling, housing, management skills of the farmer and the hygiene on the farm. Total plate count was significantly related to milk yield of the herd, cleaning of the area around the AM-system and the overall hygiene on the farm. Bulk milk somatic cell count appeared to be significantly related to milk yield of the herd and the number of milkings before replacement of the liners. An increased milking frequency is not the only explanation of increased free fatty acid levels. Technical factors related to free fatty acids mainly concerned the air inlet in the teat cups, bubbling (excessive air inlet) and a too long post run time of the milk pump. However, several questions regarding the causes of increased free fatty acid levels remained unclear.

Udder health of cows milked automatically

All Danish farms with automatic milking systems (AMS) are enrolled in a self-monitoring programme and participate in the official milk yield recording. Individual cow cell count data were analysed from 1 year before the introduction of AMS to 1 year after. Data from 69 farms were included. Three new variables were defined based on the monthly cow cell count. NewSCC was defined as the percentage of cows at each record that had a sudden, significant rise in cell count. OldSCC was the percentage of cows with an increased cell count. CullSCC was the percentage of cows culled due to high SCC. There was a sudden and significant increase in NewSCC at the start of automatic milking and the frequency was higher throughout the first year with AMS than the previous year with conventional milking. There was no difference in OldSCC and CullSCC between the years. We conclude that farms with AMS had more new infections during the first year of automatic milking than in the previous year with conventional milking. The increase appeared suddenly and was synchronised with the onset of automatic milking. The number of cows with elevated SCC decreased slowly after 3 months. We do not have a conclusive reason for the increase but suggest that more attention should be paid to the introductory period.

Introduction of electronics into milking technology

In countries, like the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), where ‘industrialized’ milk production in large herds was the goal to be reached, research on automation of machine milking was started more than 30 years ago. Initially, the main goal was to mechanize operations at the end of the milking process. This work finally resulted in milking devices that do not apply uniform parameters to all cows, but operate according to the milk flow obtained from the cow actually to be milked. This evolution towards ‘controlled milking’ would not have been possible without application of electricity and electronic components for sensors and control units. Also depending on the technical evolution of electronic control systems are devices for recording milk yield and for taking samples for milk analysis, which were available around the year 1980. At that time initial projects for automatic milk recording were evaluated, which had an obvious influence on further development of milk meters. The most demanding step of application of electronic control systems up to now was the introduction of automatic milking systems. Here not only application of teat cups has to be executed, it also is necessary to enable automatic checks of udder condition, milk quality and other operations which may be challenging even for trained human operators. Further evolution of electronic measurement procedures may be important for the milk-producing farmer too, especially when on-line milk analysis is to be introduced within the near future.

The Effect of the Introduction of Automatic Milking Systems on Milk Quality

Changes in milk quality after the introduction of automatic milking systems on 28 Dutch dairy farms were examined and observations were compared with milk quality characteristics on two groups of farms milking either two (49 farms) or three times (28 farms) per day in a conventional milking parlor. Milk quality data were collected from January 1996 until March 1998. The farms with an automatic milking system are pioneers and cannot be considered representative of Dutch dairy farms. After the introduction of the automatic milking system, a statistically significant increase in total bacterial plate count and in free fatty acids was observed. Total bacterial plate count, free fatty acids, and freezing point were higher on farms using the automatic milking system than in the other two groups of farms. Somatic cell counts did not change after the introduction of the automatic milking system, but were already rather high in herds using the automatic milking system compared with the other groups of farms. The introduction of automatic milking systems used in the study resulted in a decrease in milk quality compared with conventional systems.