Feeding Behavior, Milking Behavior, and Milk Yields of Cows Milked in a Parlor Versus an Automatic Milking System

摘要: This study compared feeding and milking behavior milk yields for cows housed in the same barn, fed ration, but milked with a conventional parlor (parlor) or automatic system (robot). Behavioral data were videotaped hourly 1 d/mo 9 mo. Feeding patterns differed more variable than robot cows. Both groups had low rates at night early morning. activity increased after feed delivery Milking human intervention 7 a.m.; bunk peaked 3 h later remained relatively constant from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Percentages of significantly greater only Batch free access feed, vs. sequential cows, restricted movement by one-way gate system, resulted higher peak percentages Lower, consistent eating one time suggests that less space may be needed robotic systems. Higher observed again holding area greatest 11 6 lowest midnight Milk production over 39 d summer subsets was slightly (26.4 25.8 +/- 0.2 kg/d) group. frequency, days milk, parity, maximum air temperature (-2 day observation) affected yield comparisons. Results have implications design handling facilities used automated