DairyRobot R9600
Unlock the potential of automated batch-style milking
Finding reliable, well-trained labor to milk cows is becoming increasingly difficult. With new or inexperienced staff doing the milking, there’s also a greater need for operator safety and simplicity. GEA’s DairyRobot R9600 automated batch milking system offers a new way for farms to address labor concerns while improving cow comfort and herd management.
GEA DairyRobot R9600 Batch-Style Milking System
Blend traditional group milking methods with the power of automation!
Benefits at a glance
• Consistency of automation
• Maintain current feeding and management style in the barns
• Easily retrofit existing parlor and utilize some of the existing milk handling components to reduce costs
• Use existing holding pens and sort gates
• Easier transition to robotic milking from conventional parlors
Automated batch-style milking combines the labor savings and technology benefits of a robot with the management style of a parlor. With automated batch-style milking, cows are milked in groups at fixed milking times using a row of box robots, simulating a conventional parlor setup. This milking style gives dairy farmers another option to milk their cows with more data and consistency. It also gives dairies the flexibility to upgrade their milking facilities while using existing barns, holding pens and sorting areas.
Here’s how you can realize more benefits with batch-style robotic milking:
Enhance cow and worker safety
Automated batch-style milking significantly reduces the need for several well-trained people to perform cow prep procedures and handle milking tasks during every milking shift.
Unlike a parlor, this system does not require anyone to be present in the milking area, reducing labor costs and the challenge of finding reliable workers. Employees can thrive with streamlined, flexible job tasks, while the robots handle the standardized processes.
When accessing the cow is required to complete tasks like mastitis treatment or dry-off, GEA’s box robot allows for easy rear access to the udder to safely treat cows, much like a parallel parlor.
Centralize maintenance and milk flow
With automated batch-style milking, the boxes and milkhouse are in closer proximity compared to some traditional box-robot farms. This centralized system reduces milking and chore interruptions and makes maintenance easier.
If a robot requires service during milking, GEA’s “plug-and-play” service module makes it easy to swap out the system’s mechanics with a spare module, allowing the boxes to continue milking.
Maintain efficient cow flow
Automated batch-style milking can save time handling cows, minimize disruption and make it easier to complete tasks. Cow flow and management resemble conventional parlor milking systems.
There are no cows to fetch since you’re bringing the cows up to the boxes to be milked. With all cows exiting the boxes at a fixed milking time, it’s easy to sort out cows that need attention instead of looking at a fetch list and finding them hours later. Other tasks, such as running a foot bath and hoof trimming, can be completed just like with a traditional parlor.
Meet specific nutrition needs
Another advantage of automated batch-style milking is the opportunity to address individual cow nutrition.
You can top-dress the bunk ration by feeding more energy and protein in the robot. This helps you push individual cows while controlling costs at the bunk.
Experience consistent milking
Automated batch-style milking is also a great way to bring more
consistency and efficiency to the milking process. GEA’s In-Liner-Everything™ technology performs every step of the milking process in a single attachment — all within the teat cup. This streamlined process maximizes the milk letdown effect from the cow for faster milking times, which leads to better box times and more cows milked per hour.
Automated batch-style milking can deliver an efficient, stress-free process for your employees and cows — and you can keep many of your barn management practices the same.
Easy, safe access to cows who need manual attention.
The automated batch milking system was made for retrofit scenarios.
Smart investment in the future of your farm
How does it work?
Breaking down the automated batch milking process
- Cows are guided to the holding area at fixed times.
- A small amount of pellet, or something inexpensive like molasses, can be fed through the feed trough to expedite cow entry.
- Each cow enters the DairyRobot individually, where they undergo automated milking using our state-of-the-art In-Liner Everything™ technology.
- Cows are monitored in real-time and sensors check for milk quality — by individual quarter.
- After milking, cows exit the robot, making way for the next in line and return back to the housing area (through sort gates if desired).
- Employees only need to manage cow movement and oversee the milking process, significantly reducing the need for milking staff labor.
- It’s an efficient, stress-free process for the employees and the cows!
