Factors Associated with Lameness and Productivity for Cows Milked in Automated Milking Systems

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Authors

Matson, Robert

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Publisher

University of Guelph

Abstract

The objective of my thesis was to identify the housing, management, and herd demographic factors used in automated milking systems (AMS) associated with greater milk production, improved udder health, and lesser lameness. In a study of 197 Canadian AMS farms, greater milk yield was associated with greater feed push-up frequency, greater feed bunk space, sand bedding, and a mechanized ventilation system. Improved udder health, marked by lesser somatic cell count, was associated with greater lying alley width and alley cleaning frequency, and use of sand bedding. In a study of 75 AMS farms in Ontario, lesser clinical lameness prevalence was associated with greater feed bunk space, lesser prevalence of under-conditioned cows, use of sand bedding, and non-Holstein breeds. Lesser severe lameness was associated with reduced under-conditioned cow prevalence and lower stall curb heights. Greater milk yield was associated with lesser clinical lameness prevalence and greater milking frequency and feed push-ups.

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Keywords

Automated milking systems, robotic milking, lameness, productivity, Dairy

Citation