Breeding the right cows for robotic milking

Fast moving technology in milk production has led to some AI companies selecting bulls with traits desirable for automatic milking, according to DeLaval’s Milkproduction.com website.

“Semex Geneticists have developed our Robot Ready brand specifically for robotic dairy managers for use in their own genetic strategies,” Brad Sayles of Semex Alliance told Milkproduction.com.

“These bulls sire the kind of cows that have correctly-placed teats so the robot can quickly find them, are very productive and have the functional feet and legs that will last for many lactations, easily moving them through the barns and to the robot.