Farmers with automated milking systems must take time to bring their robot settings in line with their cows’ requirements for the new season, says Bas van Santen, UK Robotics Performance Manager.
It’s essential to review robot settings with the changing season – especially if cows have been out grazing and will now be fully housed – says Bas van Santen, UK Robotics Performance Manager.
“You will need to review the feed and milk settings,” he says. “Everything needs to be set up for the specific situation the cows are in and so when that changes, the settings need to change too.
“You may start feeding new silage and a new diet. Go through the whole system and make sure it is appropriate. The robot is set up with information on what the cows are getting at the feed fence so that they get topped up with cake in the robot. If they are now getting more at the feed fence you will need to adjust the settings otherwise you may end up over feeding your cows.
“Over and under feeding can affect number of visits to the robot so it’s important to get this balance right.”
Similarly the milk settings will need adjustment as when grazing the cows are likely to have been visiting less frequently he adds.
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