Earlier this month we started milking on five more robotic milkers. With this round starting up, it was a different feeling than when we got the first three milkers online earlier this summer. This time we had an idea of what to expect – both the good and the bad.
One of the aspects that we now have figured out is the feeding system in the robots. Getting the cows into milking area is key to the success of the machines. To get them into the area, we offer them a different kind of feed than what is available to them at the feed bunk. Finding the perfect recipe took some time. When the next groups of robots go online, we won’t have to spend as much time figuring out what to offer the cows when they are being milked.
This time around, we also know more of what to expect when we start milking another group of cows with the robots. It’s very chaotic around the farm getting the robots up and running and getting the cows accustomed to the new routine. We can do some physical preparations, but in some cases, like the cows getting used to the new way of being milked, we have to mentally prepare.
Patience is key when it comes to transitioning the cows to the new milkers, not only for the humans, but for the cows too!
