Auto-milking is the future ... in Kerry anyway

One of the first DeLaval auto-milking systems in Europe with ABC-grazing has been set up on the predominantly spring-calving O’Hanlon dairy farm near Ballyduff in North Kerry.

Two DeLaval VMS Supra automatic milkers were installed last December, and another one in April. Prior to this, the cows were milked twice a day in a typical, 16-unit herringbone parlour, installed 12 years ago (up to three hours a day for two milkers).

The DeLaval ABC-grazing model has been successfully trialled in Australia and New Zealand, and is reckoned to be ideal for spring-calving Irish herds. Using auto-drafting (smart selection) gates and EID ear tags, it optimises grass dry-matter intakes.