The Evolving world of precision dairy technology, Part II

Abstract

An area within precision dairy farming is automation for milking and feeding cattle. Robotic milking systems are becoming more common worldwide, with rapid growth taking place throughout the USA. In addition, more farms are installing computerized automated feeders that can feed whole milk, milk replacer, or combinations of whole milk and milk replacer to individual calves in a controlled manner according to a predefined feeding plan. This automation technology also commonly provides individual animal data that can be used to more precisely manage the herd. Various aspects related to housing and management are critical for the success of these technologies on the dairy farm such as sanitation, feeding practices, animal training, barn design, animal grouping, animal health monitoring, and equipment maintenance.