Semi-robotic milking technology to boost parlour efficiency
Waikato Milking Systems’ latest innovation, ErgoPOD is now commercially available within New Zealand and Australia.
Harnessing the power of data and technology has become increasingly important in the dairy farming, because milking cows is a physically demanding and time-consuming task for dairy farmers, according to Waikato Milking Systems.
By utilising advanced tools and systems, farmers can optimise every aspect of the dairy farming process, from herd management to milk production and beyond.
The company says utilising data-driven insights and automation allows dairy farmers to make informed decisions that increase efficiency, productivity, and profitability, while making it easier than ever for farmers to monitor and manage their herds while promoting cow health and well-being.
Headquartered in the heart of dairy country, Waikato Milking Systems says that automated milking technology minimises physical strain on employees, reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries, and promotes a better worklife balance by freeing up time for other tasks and activities, ultimately reducing the likelihood of staff turnover and burnout.
Offering a broad range of technologies, their automatic cup removers, such as the ECR Plus, are said to provide a consistent milking process that prevents udder health issues caused by over or undermilking, thereby reducing the need for antibiotics or other treatments, so promoting the overall health and well-being of the herd. Additionally, ECR Plus improves the milking experience for cows, reducing stress and discomfort, resulting in a more efficient and comfortable process.
The company says its DairyHQ Dairy Management solution offers real-time data on cow health and milk production, allowing farmers to detect potential issues early and take appropriate measures, contributing to better herd health and increased milk yield.
A range of milk metering systems, from a basic Yield Indicator to the more advanced Electronic Milk Meter, measure the volume of milk produced by each cow during milking, providing real-time data for efficient dairy parlour management. This helps contribute to a streamlined operation and optimal herd health and productivity, allowing operators to focus on other tasks.
With technology such as SmartSPRAY – an inbail teat spray system or our WalkoverSPRAYER – an in-race teat spraying system, the process of applying a disinfectant or sanitiser solution to the cow’s teats after milking is automated, preventing mastitis and maintaining good udder health.
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