Getting the most from your robotic cow

It is forecasted one in three UK dairy farms will be robotic by 2030, ForFarmers are on-hand to support the industry with this transition, as well as those who are already there.

Forage manager and Cow Signals Master Trainer Bruce Foreshaw took to the lectern at Robotic Forum to layout the Cow Signals six freedoms, detailing how they can be achieved in a robotic system.

Bruce said: “The Cow Signals six freedoms are space, feed, water, light and rest, and in achieving these, the longevity of the cow can be increased.

“The cow is most efficient when in her sixth, seventh and eighth lactations but there aren’t many animals which actually get to that stage. It is also when cows are at their most feed efficient.

“Cows in their third lactation or more also produce more and higher quality colostrum than heifers or second lactation cows.

“By extending your cows’ lifetime on farm by two lactations, you can reduce carbon emissions by 30%, half the number of youngstock required and experience greater feed efficiency in these older cows.

“Looking at production using daily lifetime yield can shift focus to extending lactation length. Daily lifetime yield is higher when you have a slightly longer calving interval and less transitional problems.”