Milking robots current as of Lely, DeLaval, GEA, Boumatic, are equipped with multiple sensors and monitoring systems that collect data in real-time at several key points during the process of milking. These points of measurement and data collection are essential to ensure both the efficiency of the milking, as the well-being of the cows and the quality of the milk.
Below, we detail the main points of measurement and the types of data that marked a milestone, surpassing the limits of knowledge or technology predecessor.
1. Identification of the cow
- Technology used: Necklaces with chips and radio frequency.
- Data collected: Individual identification of the cow, a history of milkings, daily production and stage of lactation (OF). These data allow you to adjust the milking process according to the individual characteristics of each cow.
2. Detection of the position of the udder and nipples
- Technology used: 3D cameras or lasers positioning.
- Data collectedAccuracy in the placement of the teat cups. The system adjusts the robot to correctly connect to each nipple, ensuring a suction efficient and reducing the stress of the cow.
3. Volume and speed of flow of milk
- Sensor used: Volume meters, and flow of milk.
- Data collected: Milk volume in real time for the fourth and the flow rate (pounds per minute). This measurement is critical to adjust the suction and determine when to end of milking in every room. A key factor that directly affects the time that each cow spends in the robot, the rotation of the flock, and the overall capacity of the system
4. Conductivity of the milk
- Sensor used: Conductivity sensors.
- Data collected: Levels of electrical conductivity of the milk. An increase in the conductivity can be an indicator of mastitis or udder infections, allowing an early detection of health problems. The robot can extend the milking in a nipple whose milk alters the conductivity.
5. Composition of milk
- Sensor used: Analyzers, dairy online.
- Data collected: Levels of fat and protein. These data allow producers to monitor the quality of the milk, and make adjustments in the diet of the cows to optimize the composition of the milk. Also measure lactose, the color of the milk and the UFC.
6. Temperature of the milk
- Sensor used: Thermometers dairy in line.
- Data collected: The temperature of the milk at the time of milking, which is important for the preservation of the quality of the milk. An elevated temperature can indicate a fever or health problems in the cow.
7. Weight of the cow
- Sensor used: Scale optional built-in at the station of milking.
- Data collected: Body weight of the cow. This data is used to monitor the general state of health, to detect loss of weight excess and adjust the diet if necessary.
8. Activity and rumination
- Technology used: Collars or pedometers with accelerometers.
- Data collected: Physical activity and patterns of rumination. These data are essential to monitor the overall well-being and to detect health problems such as lameness, digestive disorders, or jealousy.
9. Time of milking nipple
- Sensor used: Automatic timers connected to the teat cup.
- Data collected: Time each nipple is connected to the milking system. This data is used to optimise the efficiency of the milking and avoid sobreordeño.
10. Detection of completion of milking
- Sensor used: Flow meter final.
- Data collected: Detection of the decrease in the flow of milk, which indicates that the milking of a quarter is completed. Once detected, the robot automatically disconnects the liner to avoid injury or over-stimulation.
11. Cleaning and disinfection of equipment
- Sensor used: Flow sensors detergent and water temperature gauges.
- Data collected: The flow of water and detergent during the cleaning of the system, temperature of the water, and time duration of the wash cycle. These data warrant the correct disinfection of equipment between milkings, ensuring the hygiene and quality of the milk.
12. Environmental data
- Sensor used: Sensors of temperature and humidity.
- Data collected: Environmental conditions in the area of milking, which is important to ensure a comfortable environment for the cows, and avoid heat stress.
The amount of information generated by the automated system of milking is unimaginable and very complex to take advantage of the producer. Therefore, all the suppliers of these teams are moving towards the incorporation of the artificial intelligence for the handling of these data, a technology that not only improves productivity, but they also reveal new ways of understanding the behavior of the animal, the productive efficiency or the health of the rodeo dairy climbing to another level in the decision making...., this started recently.
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