Finding reliable, well-trained labor to milk cows is becoming increasingly difficult. With new or inexperienced staff doing the milking, there’s also a greater need for operator safety and simplicity. The GEA DairyRobot R9600 automated batch milking system offers a new way for farms to address labor concerns while improving cow comfort and herd management.

Automated batch-style milking combines the labor savings and technology benefits of a robot with the management style of a parlor. With automated batch-style milking, cows are milked in groups at fixed milking times using a row of box robots, simulating a conventional parlor setup.

This milking style gives dairy farmers another option to milk their cows with more data and consistency. It also gives dairies the flexibility to upgrade their milking facilities while using existing barns, holding pens and sorting areas.

Here’s how you can realize more benefits with batch-style robotic milking:

Enhance cow and worker safety

Automated batch-style milking significantly reduces the need for several well-trained people to perform cow prep procedures and handle milking tasks during every milking shift.

Unlike a parlor, this system does not require anyone to be present in the milking area, reducing labor costs and the challenge of finding reliable workers. Employees can thrive with streamlined, flexible job tasks, while the robots handle the standardized processes.

When accessing the cow is required to complete tasks like mastitis treatment or dry-off, GEA’s box robot allows for easy rear access to the udder to safely treat cows, much like a parallel parlor.

Centralize maintenance and milk flow

With automated batch-style milking, the boxes and milkhouse are in closer proximity compared to some traditional box-robot farms. This centralized system reduces milking and chore interruptions and makes maintenance easier.

If a robot requires service during milking, GEA’s “plug-and-play” service module makes it easy to swap out the system's mechanics with a spare module, allowing the boxes to continue milking.

Maintain efficient cow flow

Automated batch-style milking can save time handling cows, minimize disruption, and make it easier to complete tasks. Cow flow and management resemble conventional parlor milking systems.

There are no fetch cows since you’re bringing the cows up to the boxes to be milked. With all cows exiting the boxes at a fixed milking time, it’s easy to sort out cows that need attention instead of looking at a fetch list and finding them hours later.

Other tasks, such as running a foot bath and hoof trimming, can be completed just like with a traditional parlor.

Meet specific nutrition needs

Another advantage of automated batch-style milking is the opportunity to address individual cow nutrition.

You can topdress the bunk ration by feeding more energy and protein in the robot. This helps you push individual cows while controlling costs at the bunk.

Experience consistent milking

Automated batch-style milking is also a great way to bring more consistency and efficiency to the milking process.

GEA’s In-Liner-Everything™ technology performs every step of the milking process in a single attachment – all within the teat cup.

This streamlined process maximizes the milk letdown effect from the cow for faster milking times, which leads to better box times and more cows milked per hour.

Automated batch-style milking can deliver an efficient, stress-free process for your employees and cows – and you can keep many of your barn management practices the same. Contact your local GEA dealer to learn more today.