Designing Feeding Systems for Robotic Milking

Abstract

Summary Feed, is the primary motivation for the cow to visit the robotic milking stall. Highly motivated cows will visit voluntarily, thereby decreasing the need to expend labor fetching cows, and they will visit more frequently and regularly, leading to higher milk production. Forced cow traffic makes it possible to use forage at the bunk to provide motivation, and while it reduces the number of fetch cows, it decreases the number of meals, decreases feed intake in some studies,, and decreases cow welfare because of increased standing time. Free cow traffic provides greater cow comfort and is preferred, but motivation to visit the robot is provided solely by the concentrate fed in the milking box. Hard, dust free pellets made of palatable ingredients, such as barley and oats, fed at a rate of 5 to 17 lb/day result in the highest visit frequency and highest milk production. Limiting the energy density and starch level in the mixed ration fed at the bunk also increases the motivation provided by the concentrate. Current recommendations suggest feeding a partial mixed ration formulated for a production level 15 lb below the mean of the group, combined with 5 to 17 lb of pelleted concentrate fed according to production in the robotic milking stall. While the need to use feed to stimulate milking visits creates additional challenges for the nutritionist and feed advisor, the ability to collect a great deal of data on the individual cow and to feed and supplement her individually also creates many new opportunities for more precise and individualized ration delivery.