The switch from traditional milking to automatic milking is a big step for most dairy farmers. The technique is now widely known, but the switch entails a change in the daily schedule.
In addition, we now leave the milking process to the Astronaut, whereas we used to be there ourselves. How do I keep in touch with a cow's milking process, and does the robot milk my cows correctly?
Watch a complete milking once a day of a cow at each robot unit, following the steps below. In the meantime, pay attention to whether you see anything abnormal or hear other sounds as normal.
1) Pre-treatment (after optionally Meteor Wash)
Check the brush position during brushing, is the bristle position correct. Are the teats and udder bottom brushed? If (optionally) Meteor is active, check washing claws.
2) Feed dispense
Look at the feedcredit and listen if feed drops in the feedbin. Check for all feedtypes if the feed is dropping at manual command.
3) Connection performance
Check the position of the milkcups. Check ropes, clean robotarm, TDS and top-camera. Follow the attachment process. Is the robot smoothly finding/following the teats?
4) Brush-cleaning
Brushes must be clean and Astri-L must be dosed in the spraywater. Astri-L water must be sprayed correctly on the brushes and top of brushmotor. Check storage use testlabels.
5) Vacuumlevel
Is the Vacuumlevel correct. Watch on the meter above the milkjar.
6) Milkflow
Watch at the milkflow in the 4 tubes and in the milkjar. Does the milkflow sufficiently start and continue.
7) Take Off
Watch cow behaviour during end of milking, are all quarters visually empty, check the vacuum if necessary.
8) Teat disinfection
Check the nozzle and spray performance, this should be a cone form. the nozzle must not get polluted. Is the storage enough for an extra day?
9) Lely wash (& steam) (& hoofspray)
Check Lelywash & (optionally) steaming of the liners & (optionally) the Meteor Care. Do the liners connect with the jetters and do you see water and steam when the arm arrives at home position?
10) M4Use flush
If a M4Use is installed, a daily rinse by activating the M4U Flush via the E-link is recommended.
Do you use this daily routine for your Lely Astronaut?