Critical success factors transitioning from conventional to automatic milking in the United States

Abstract

Early studies on automatic milking systems (AMS) in Europe revealed an increase in bulk tank somatic cell counts (BTSCC) and difficulties for farmers to adapt to new management routines. Since then AMS technology and information management have improved with its introduction in the US. Herd management support has increased to assist producers during the transition from conventional to AMS. The aim of this study was to determine milk production and quality results of AMS in the US and define key success factors for successful transition to AMS milking.