A radial configuration of VMS units allows you to keep your milking model and at the same time design for future expansion. This also enables you to leverage other DeLaval technologies such as Herd Navigator. It is a proven solution since you’re simply taking to scale something that is done on every robotic farm, fetching cows and committing them to milk within a pen.
A radial configuration offers you several possibilities and benefits:
Retain current grouping model (age, stage lactation, milk prod., diet…)
An expandable robotic milking system
Leverage other technologies such as Herd Navigator
A proven solution- simply taking to scale something done today on every robotic farm-fetching cows and committing to milk within a pen.
The ‘tri-fecta’- Flexibility, Upgradability, Expandability
Possible Layout
Consider a possible floor plan in detail:
• Overhead doors located within exterior walls of the milking center and combined with gates at curbed openings of the return lane wall. This will allow ready access for the removal of a ‘down’ cow via skid steer access.
• As drawn, allows ~45sq/ft per cow in holding area.
• May not require a ceiling on milk rooms adjacent to each robot (dependent on local regulations per parlor applications).
• Bi-fold/tri-fold gate allows manual separation/commitment of cows to dedicated unit(s) from holding pen.
• Return lane of 6ft width.
• One-way gates at exit point of units to the return lane.
***This is one possible layout- many other iterations are possible such as the number of units, sort pen further downstream, milk/equip rooms under attached smaller roof, etc.
Why should you consider this arrangement?
Efficiency
Labor-
One person can effectively handle congruent chores (fetch, HM, beds, feed)
Capacity - assume 1 unit can milk ~9cows/hr
Cows are queued
Cows incentivized with candy
Smart Pulsation, etc.
Installation
Shorter line lengths (milk, vacuum, feed)
Easy for Herd Navigator
Centralized ancillary equipment
Increased sanitation possible
Less disruption/bottleneck when a unit is in service/maintenance
Single sort/treatment area for all cows/groups
Easy & effective adaptation of other DeLaval solutions
Herd Navigator™
On-Line Cell Counter (OCC)
Body Condition Scoring (BCS)™
Smart Gate (SG)
Smart Selection Gate (SSG)
Automatic Foot Bath (AFB)
Other
Dealer confidence & familiarity with VMS
Expandable
Add cows until reaching capacity or add units as herd size grows
Supported DeLaval Solution
Off the shelf
Compliant with regulations