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In any dairy system cows are a main component and animal health, welfare and breeding need to be regularly assessed. |
- Breeding and Reproduction: On AMS farms breeding and reproduction is an area which if not monitored and maintained can easily lead to significant system changes occurring (system creep) over time. Although tempting to milk on cows that do not get in-calf during the mating period enforce strict rules (e.g. two strikes and you’re out) to ensure cows with inferior fertility are culled from the herd. There may be cows whose physical and behavioural characteristics are more suited to AMS. While there is as yet no account of this in national BW calculations it may be a good idea to take note of animals especially suited to automatic milking.
- Tools to help ensure a sustainable breeding and mating programme is maintained include InCalf
- Mastitis management: Most research shows that long-term the rates of mastitis under AMS do not change from farms using conventional milking methods, although it is common to observe an elevation in SCC during the transition phase. Lactation data from the AMS should be used to identify cows at risk of mastitis (e.g. previous clinical episodes, chronic elevated SCC) and candidates for culling. Ensure there are good procedures in place to manage and/or mitigate potential problems. Focus on how the daily data on udder health is being used to proactively manage mastitis. The SAMM plan is a good resource to help with this.
