Dairy NZ

An AMS still requires all the same basic farm management as a conventional system. The processes are just different in order to achieve the final product.

The process

The cow enters the crate and is identified via a tag strapped to her leg, around her neck or in her ear. The software determines if the cow has milking permission. If she is not due for milking the front gates open and the cow is released. If she is due for milking the teats are cleaned (optional) and the teat cups attached, one at a time. Teat cups are removed based on flow from individual quarters. While milking, the cow may be offered a concentrate (meal, grain, molasses). Milk is diverted to separate tanks if requested by the operator using the software settings, otherwise it enters the bulk or temporarily a buffer tank. Various data is collected on both the cow and milk quality. These can include live weight, quarter yield, quarter conductivity, colour, fat, protein and SCC.

• See diagram: Main features of an AMS 

Getting cows to the AMS

Automatic milking relies on cows volunteering for milking in the AMS and distributing these milkings throughout 24 hours. The main motivator for cow movement around the farm is feed, either fresh pasture and/or concentrate in the AMS. Most AMS farms are set up with two or three new areas of pasture available to the herd daily. Cows access pasture after visiting the AMS or can be diverted directly to the new pasture if milking permission is not granted.