Survey of Management Practices of Farms Using Automatic Milking Systems in North America

Abstract

A survey was conducted of 10 farms in the USA and 15 farms in Canada using automatic(or robotic) milking systems (AMS) to determine how AMS facilities were being designed andmanaged in the North American setting. Surveys were conducted in-person with the farm managerduring visits to the farm. The survey was based on a similar survey performed on 120 AMS farms inthe Netherlands. All of the AMS users surveyed indicated that, overall, they were satisfied to verysatisfied with AMS. Most users indicated that AMS has allowed them more time for managerialtasks, and more importantly, more time for themselves and their families. They further indicated thatthe addition of AMS has decreased stress levels for themselves and their cows.