Harper Adams Dairy Unit showcases new technology

 

 

A GBP2.3 million (US$3.8 million) dairy unit will unveil its new technologies at Harper Adams University College (HAUC), Shropshire, on September 2.

 

The technologies include live video streaming of cows, roving feed drones, automated ventilation screens and electronic cow trackers.

 

The unit is four years in the planning and has beaten all odds to become a reality, said Scott Kirby, HAUC farm manager.

 

Designed in-house and put out to contract, the greenfield development has been kept within budget by shelving plans including rubberising flooring for extra cow comfort.

 

On site, cows are housed in wide, single-span cubicle sheds where a robotic drone pushes up feed throughout the day increasing appetites.

 

Automatic ventilation screens on some exterior walls react to wind speed helping protect sensitive computerised feeders.

 

This is a layout that allows scientific trials to be conducted in a commercial operation, said Kirby.

 

Other automated technology sees cows herded using a hydraulic backing gate controlled from the parlour using live video images, which will reduce disruption to cow flow.

 

A 40-point rotary parlour was chosen over a rapid exit design for improved handling. Once milked, cows can be separated automatically on exit into holding areas for day-to-day or veterinary health checks.

 

Borehole and recycled water is used to flush the holding yard automatically, a technique used abroad, reducing the need for a tractor and scraper.