.jpeg)
Portable Milking Machine: Enhancing Milk Yield in Automatic Milking Systems
- AND Dairy Equipment
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
The weeks surrounding calving are among the most critical in a dairy cow’s life. Forward-thinking strategies are reshaping fresh cow care, blending welfare, efficiency, and disease prevention into a unified approach. Two insightful resources—the CowSignals Pamper Pen and Cuddle Box guide and the Vet Times article on managing freshly calved cows—offer practical solutions for healthier, more productive herds.
Calm Beginnings: The Pamper Pen and Cuddle Box
The CowSignals method encourages the use of a low-stress calving zone known as the Pamper Pen—a quiet, secure space where cows can calve safely while being monitored. Adjacent to it, the Cuddle Box provides a warm, hygienic environment for the newborn calf, ensuring proper bonding, colostrum feeding, and early health monitoring.
These setups mimic natural calving behavior, where cows seek solitude, offering a major advantage: reduced stress for the cow and better management control for the farmer.
Managing Energy and Preventing Disease
The Vet Times article highlights the importance of managing a cow’s energy balance during the early postpartum period. Fresh cows face metabolic risks such as ketosis and fatty liver due to low feed intake and high energy demands. Key recommendations include:
Close monitoring of appetite and behavior
Early identification of disease symptoms
Proper nutrition and clean, dry housing
Minimizing stress during the transition period
A well-managed calving area, like the Pamper Pen, naturally supports these goals by reducing movement, enabling individualized care, and providing better oversight of fresh cows.
Integrating Cow-Calf Contact (CCC) Systems
As more dairy farmers explore Cow-Calf Contact (CCC) systems, understanding how these systems impact milk production is crucial. A recent study on Norwegian Red cows provides insights into how CCC influences milk yield in Automatic Milking Systems (AMS) during the first 100 days of lactation.
Key Findings from the Study
📌 Extended Cow-Calf Contact: Calves remained with their mothers full-time for an average of 52 days before being separated, unlike conventional systems where early separation is common.
📌 Variation in Milk Yield Pre-Separation:
Primiparous cows (first-time mothers): 11.0–25.9 kg/day
Multiparous cows (experienced mothers): 4.8–28.8 kg/day
📌 Increase in Milk Yield Post-Separation:
Primiparous cows: 17.3–30.4 kg/day
Multiparous cows: 8.7–41.8 kg/day
📌 Continued Growth in Later Lactation (Days 93-100):
Primiparous cows: 26.5–34.3 kg/day
Multiparous cows: 20.6–38.3 kg/day
This study suggests that CCC can be implemented alongside AMS, but farmers should anticipate variable milk yields and a gradual increase post-weaning. While the study focused on a single herd, it provides useful descriptions of AMS milk production under a full-contact CCC system.
The Role of Portable Milking Machines
One essential tool bridging these systems is the portable milking machine. Using it in the Pamper Pen eliminates the need to move fresh cows to the main milking parlor immediately after calving. This approach:
Reduces stress and labor
Promotes better udder health
Ensures gentle, hygienic milk collection in a familiar environment
At AND Dairy, we provide durable, easy-to-use portable milking machines designed for small farms and fresh cow care. Combining animal comfort with practical tools leads to healthier cows and more sustainable farming practices.
Putting It All Together
New approaches to fresh cow care don’t require major investments—just thoughtful setup, daily attention, and the right equipment. By integrating insights from CowSignals, Vet Times, and CCC research, farmers can:
✅ Create calmer, cleaner calving areas
✅ Improve cow-calf bonding and colostrum management
✅ Prevent disease through early detection
✅ Reduce stress with in-pen milking
✅ Understand and manage milk yield variations in CCC systems
A small shift in mindset leads to long-term benefits—for your cows, milk quality, and daily routine.
Learn more:
Comments