I've just read an article about smart cow grouping, what do you think?
Smart cow grouping plays a powerful role in the success of robotic milking systems, helping cows move confidently, keeping stress low, and allowing both the herd and the robots to perform at their best. While every farm has its own layout, labor situation, and herd size, the way cows are grouped should never be an afterthought. As Katelyn Goldsmith from the University of Wisconsin–Madison explains, thoughtful grouping is essential for maintaining strong cow flow and getting the most out of automated milking.
Many farms find success with mixed pens, where all cows stay together regardless of age or production level. This approach keeps life simple less regrouping, steady robot traffic, and fewer disruptions for the cows. For smaller dairies especially, it can be both practical and effective when rations and stocking rates are managed carefully.
Other herds take advantage of production-based grouping to fine-tune diets and meet cows’ nutritional needs more precisely. This strategy allows high-producing cows to receive the energy they require while preventing overfeeding in lower-producing cows. It does involve more hands-on management, but when farmers and nutritionists keep an eye on ration costs, milk yield, and body condition, it can offer a strong economic return.
Grouping cows by days in milk is another positive approach that streamlines routine tasks like breeding, dry-off, and herd health checks. With the help of sort gates or separation pens, farms can make daily work more efficient, and fresh-cow pens in particular support better robot training, improved access, and a targeted diet during early lactation.
Age grouping can also bring great benefits. First-lactation cows often struggle when mixed with mature cows, so creating a pen just for younger animals helps them learn the robot without competition and keeps overall cow flow smoother. Many farms also maintain special-needs pens to support fresh, lame, or sick cows, giving them easier access to the robot and reducing walking strain all while keeping the whole system running efficiently.
At the end of the day, no single grouping method works for every farm, but herds that regularly look at their cow flow, production patterns, and labor needs are in the best position to create a positive, low-stress environment. With thoughtful grouping, robotic milking systems run more smoothly, cows stay healthier, and day-to-day management becomes more enjoyable and efficient for everyone involved.
