increase font size
TSR: teat sprayer robot.
Post-milking teat spray is known to improve udder health by helping reduce infection by the highly resistant staphylococcus.
But manual teat spraying takes time, is not always accurate and can waste the product being applied, DeLaval says.
Hence the appeal of its teat spray robot (TSR), an automatic system that is accurate and which correctly and consistently sprays teats after milking, with the added bonus of helping reduce labour costs.
This stand-alone unit fits to the outside of rotary platforms and has a robotic arm that holds cameras to locate and spray the passing cows' teats. Capacity is about 400 cows per hour.
Its high accuracy optimises efficacy by placing the product on the cows' teats but not on their udders, legs or tails.
In use, the TSR software identifies the individual cow and its teat positioning using a time of flight (TOF) camera to ensure correct application; a safety system prevents accidents to operators and cows.
Said to be nearly silent in operation, the unit operates the same way each time, ensuring an atmosphere of calm and predictability on which cows thrive; the only sensation they feel is the spraying of their teats.
Machinery manufacturer John Deere and livestock specialists DeLaval have pooled their resources to create the Milk Sustainability Center (MSC), described as a digital ecosystem to help dairy farmers improve the efficiency and sustainability of their operations.
Milking specialist DeLaval plans to increase its production capacity of automatic milking machines to meet rising customer demand.
Building on its launch back in 2018, DeLaval has launched a new OptiDuo feed pushing robot, with a claim that using this technology can add up to three litres/ cow/day.
Milking and technology specialist DeLaval has begun an 18,000m² rebuild at its Hamra Farm in Sweden.
Software specialist Company-X is acquiring advertising agency Hot Mustard's app developing business.
The red meat sector is adopting the New Zealand Government’s ‘wait and see’ approach as it braces for the second Donald Trump presidency in the US.
Fonterra’s board has been reduced to nine - comprising six farmer-elected and three appointed directors.
Five hunting-related shootings this year is prompting a call to review firearm safety training for licencing.
The horticulture sector is a big winner from recent free trade deals sealed with the Gulf states, says Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg.
Fonterra shareholders are concerned with a further decline in the co-op’s share of milk collected in New Zealand.
A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.
OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.
