Automated Milking Systems for Dairy Operations

摘要

Automatic milking systems are being considered by many US dairy operations. This paper presents an evaluation of the economic feasibility of incorporating an automated milking system (AMS) into naturally ventilatedfreestall dairy barns. An economic dairy simulation model developed at University of Missouri was used to evaluate the economic feasibility. The implementation of an AMS does not significantly impact (improve or reduce) the overall economic viability of the modeled operation. An AMS systemdoes reduce the overall amount of labor required to operate the model dairy. So, AMS may provide a solution to dairy operations that are struggling to locate and keep a sufficient quantity and quality of labor to operate their farms.