The robotic milking system, known as the Lely A3 – Next Astronaut, helps farmers run their dairy operations more efficiently, with the biggest savings coming from reduced labour demands. The system also gathers management information, such as cow weight, butterfat, protein and the early detection of mastitis.
Results to date have been encouraging: labour flexibility has improved; milking has been done at a cost competitive with conventional milking systems; and milk quality has been maintained.
The detection system, known as the Lely Rumination Collars, will decrease veterinary costs; it will also extend the production life of milk-producing cows. It operates with a detection system that collects rumination data from collared cows. This data, in turn, provide early detection of any health problems developing in individual cows or herds and helps with feeding management.
"One of the biggest improvements is our increased quality of life," said Richard Boonstoppel. "Instead of milking two or three times per day, 365 days per year, we are able to enjoy more flexibility and better balance."
Since the Lely A3 – Next Astronaut was installed at Scotch Lake Dairy Farm, two more operations have purchased the same robot.
NB Agriculture Minister Mike Olscamp said that supporting innovative projects is one way to help attract new entrants to farming and encourage generational succession.
