| 61 nzdairy DAIRY SERVICES » Lely New Zealand Limited Lely boosting productivity and herd health Karen Phelps Dairy farmers across New Zealand are increasingly turning to robotic milking systems to boost productivity and improve herd health, with the Waikato-based Lely Center aiming to lead the charge in automation technology. “One of the key advantages of robotic milking is because there is no longer a requirement to milk cows this time can be spent on other farm tasks. Our customers also consistently see an increase in production when switching to robotic milking,” says Andy Snelgrove, director of Lely New Zealand and manager of the Waikato Center. The Waikato Center, which services regions from Northland to Canterbury including the Bay of Plenty and Southland, specialises in providing innovative solutions for modern dairy operations. Andy says its flagship Astronaut A5 robotic milking system represents a significant advancement in dairy automation, incorporating 25 years of robotic milking expertise. The system’s innovative I-flow design allows cows to enter and exit naturally, reducing stress and improving overall welfare. “The cows are encouraged to visit the robot voluntarily up to three times daily, which more closely mimics their natural behaviour. We get detailed information from each cow every time she’s milked, right down to individual udder quarters,” says Andy. “Our Horizon software analyses this data to identify trends and can provide early detection of potential health issues, triggering alerts so farmers can take prompt action.” The system’s hybrid arm technology has been engineered for both efficiency and cow comfort. Operating more quietly and decisively than previous iterations, it encourages increased robot visits while significantly reducing energy consumption, he says. “The system enables farmers to manage their herds more efficiently, with data indicating that most cows need only nine interactions per lactation. The technology also promotes a more natural approach to herd management. In a stress-free environment, cows exhibit more natural behaviour, making it easier to detect health or fertility issues early. This proactive approach to herd health can lead to significant cost savings and improved animal welfare.” Lely’s commitment to innovation extends to its consumables and wear parts, all specifically designed to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the equipment. The company’s Life Cycle Services concept provides ongoing support throughout and beyond the lifetime of the equipment, ensuring farmers have access to expert assistance whenever needed. For farmers considering the switch to robotics, the Waikato Center offers detailed consultancy services to help determine the best setup for their specific operation. The system’s hybrid arm technology has been engineered for both efficiency and cow comfort. For farmers considering the switch to robotics, the Waikato Center offers detailed consultancy services. Five tips for successful grazing... 1. Ensure a good infrastructure. 2. Unrestricted water access in every paddock. 3. Keep consistent gate change times. 4. Limit grazing to a maximum of 3 days per paddock. 5. Be flexible and adapt to weather changes. Find out more on lely.com/nz ...with an automatic milking system Scan the QR-code for more tips. The team can assist with barn design optimisation, feeding strategies, and integration of different automated systems to create a cohesive, efficient farming operation. To complement the Astronaut A5 Lely offers a comprehensive suite of automation solutions. The Juno feed-pushing robot ensures feed is always within reach of every cow, including those lower in the herd hierarchy, promoting optimal rumen health and growth. Meanwhile the Lely Calm automatic calf feeder supports the development of young stock by delivering milk at the perfect temperature while monitoring individual intake. “When you implement these systems together, you’re creating a more efficient and sustainable farming operation,” explains Andy. The Waikato Center provides round-the-clock technical support and comprehensive training to ensure farmers can maximise the benefits of their investment. It offers various levels of farm management support from reactive online assistance to intensive on-farm coaching, tailored to each farm’s specific needs.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=