Introduction

Understanding how milk harvesting functions within an Automatic Milking Systems (AMS) 🔍 is essential for any dairy producer considering its adoption. Although AMS can reduce the need for manual labor by handling routine tasks, they do not eliminate the need for human involvement. Farmers are still responsible for managing issues, maintaining equipment, and interpreting complex data, which requires developing new skills in technology management and data-driven decision-making. Unlike conventional systems, AMS enables cows to be milked voluntarily, allowing for an adjustable milking frequency 🔍 and enhancing animal comfort. This technology reshapes the entire workflow—from pre- and post-milking routines to data production and analysis. In this article, we explore the key differences between conventional and automated milking approaches, helping farmers determine which system aligns best with their operational goals. 

Key Differences in Milking Systems

In conventional milking systems, milking frequency and schedules are determined by farm management. Farm staff, including milking personnel and cow movers, play a hands-on role in each session, performing tasks such as teat preparation and monitoring for abnormal milk and udders. The milking cluster, consisting of four teat cups, is typically attached and removed as a single unit. If one quarter finishes milking earlier, the whole unit usually stays on until the slowest quarter is done. 

In contrast, AMS rely on robotic technology to carry out the milking process with minimal human involvement. Successful implementation of AMS depends on proper cow training to ensure comfort and confidence in using the system. Cows voluntarily enter the milking unit (or “box”), where the system determines milking access 🔍 based on factors such as the time since the last session and the expected milk volume. Pre- and post-milking procedures are fully automated and applied consistently.  Each quarter is milked independently, with built-in sensors monitoring milk flow and other indicators to detect potential issues. The robotic arm 🔍 attaches individual cups one at a time and detaches each as flow decreases, providing more precise data and insights into the performance of each quarter. 

The following table outlines the key differences between conventional and automated milking systems.

Pre-Milking Preparation: Ensuring Clean and Stimulated Teats

Regardless of the system used, the goal of pre-milking preparation is to attach a properly functioning milking unit to teats that are clean, dry, and well-stimulated. Effective preparation supports hygiene and cow physiology by promoting milk let-down, enabling timely teat cup attachment, and reducing overall milking time. 

In AMS, teat cleaning methods vary by brand and design, but the effectiveness often depends on the cleanliness of the udder upon entry. Common AMS teat preparation methods include: 

• Dedicated teat preparation cup: Uses air, water, sanitizer, and vacuum to wash, stimulate, fore-strip, and dry each teat individually. Foremilk and cleaning solutions are diverted to a drain.
• Rotating brushes: Applies sanitizer while cleaning the teats and udder base. Brushes are often disinfected automatically between cows. 
• Integrated cleaning and milking cups: All four teat cups perform cleaning, preparation, and milking, with waste diverted to a drain. 

Post-Milking Disinfection: Complete Coverage for Mastitis Prevention

Post-milking teat disinfection is essential for reducing the risk of new intramammary infections. Its primary purpose is to eliminate bacteria on the teat skin immediately after milking, when the teat canal is still open and the udder is most vulnerable. Full and consistent coverage is critical for effective mastitis prevention. 

In AMS, disinfection methods vary by system. The most common approach uses a robotic arm that automatically sprays disinfectant onto each teat after cup removal. Some systems use integrated teat cup spraying, applying disinfectant while the teat is still inside the cup. 

Challenges to effective disinfection include incomplete coverage, especially on small or hard-to-reach teats, and cow movement during spraying. Regular maintenance of nozzles and spray arms is essential to ensure proper function and effective delivery.