Monitoring of the input-output operations in cows milking parlors Parallel type with a capacity of 2x24

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to analyze the input-output traffic and the actual throughput of a „Parallel“ type milking parlor with a capacity of 2x24. Studies were performed during the period April - May 2020 in the cow farm located in the Republic of Bulgaria, Chirpan municipality. Its capacity is about 600 cows (with a tendency to increase the herd) of which 453 are milked. They are reared freely in groups on a deep non-removable bedding (manure with a minimum amount of straw) with daily milling. Milking is performed in a „Parallel“ type milking parlor with a capacity of 2x24, „quick exit“ and double milking per day. The experimental research was carried out through the video surveillance information system installed on the farm, which includes 18 cameras, a recorder, a hard disk, a UPS, a power supply unit and a router. The production process in and around the milking parlor was monitored. The duration of the input-output traffic is timed and its influence on the total hourly productivity of the milking installation is established. In the course of the research it was established what part of the input-output operations (entirely dependent on the animals) of the total time for the whole milking process including entering the cows, washing, drying, placing the miking units, actual milking, sealing and leaving the cows from the platforms. The statement is proved that in compliance with the normative requirements and the correspondence with the good world practices in the design of milking parlors (of the considered type) with their adjoining waiting rooms and passes about 2/3 of the total milking time depends on the animals and about 1/3 from the milkers.