The second installment of this series focuses on DeLaval’s new VMS Solutions Technology, otherwise known as batch milking. VMS Solutions Manager, Jason French, explains that batch milking involves cows going to a robot instead of a traditional parlor setting for milking. In this system, cows are moved to a group of robots that act as the parlor, rather than farmers walking them to a traditional parlor or rotary.
French highlights that VMS batch milking allows farmers to stick to a schedule by using robots to consistently milk cows. The robots maintain a stable position to ensure a uniform milking process for each cow, even in the absence of human milkers. The holding area for cows has a different atmosphere, with relaxed cows enjoying a pleasant area with fans and the freedom to move from one robot to another.
In traditional parlors or rotary systems, a crowd gate is used to move cows up all at the same time. However, in VMS batch milking, this gate is not needed. Instead, cows can enter the holding area and exit freely, moving between robots at their own pace. This setup ensures a more relaxed and stress-free environment for cows during the milking process. For more information on VMS batch milking