Development of an Automatic System for Carrying Milking Units (Part 1)

Estimated Labor Reduction Using Pair Milking with the Automatic System for Carrying Milking Units

Abstract

In this paper, we demonstrate an automatic system for carrying a pair of milking units in tie stall barns that could significantly reduce labor. Before making a system prototype, we performed a time chart analysis to acquire data on milking routine efficiency in a one-man operation for 50 cows/man⋅h. One man operates four automatic carriers mounted on two milking units. Data was also obtained to determine if the carrier velocity (0.2-0.3m/sec) in this system is suitable. The formula for the milking routine including the automatic factor was derived from the time chart analysis. The milking efficiencies of the ordinary system and this new system were compared using this formula.