02 February, 2012
A number of farmers in Cornwall are taking
advantage of new technology which allows for the 'robotic milking'
of cows.
As well as giving farmers time to attend to other areas of their
business, 'robotic milking' is also helping farmers to increase
their milk yields and improve their herd management.
Andrew Julian, who works at Tratford Farm in Looe, is one of the
farmers already experiencing the benefits of investing in milk
robots.
In an interview with thisiscornwall.co.uk, he explained how the
robots were helping him run his business more efficiently.
He said: "Milking was taking six hours a day, and now the daily
time with the cows is typically just two-and-a-half hours and is
totally flexible and we are not tied to the unit.
"We have seen yields increase by up to 15 per cent since the
robots were installed and we are managing the cows far better with
less labour - but the improved quality of life is as important as
anything."
According to Farmers Guardian, robotic milking systems are also
allowing to farmers increase their herd because there is no longer
huge time constraints involved with milking them.
Another user, David Talbot of Lower Alston Farm in Lancashire
has estimated that the machines are saving him at least £1,200 per
month in labour costs for his herd of 200 cows.
Source: Vertical Leap
