DeLaval is hosting their 2-day Robotics World Series grand finale event, VMS PRO North America June 27-28 in Madison, WI, at the Overture Center for the Arts. The conference will showcase how DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS) has helped dairymen not only achieve their goals, but exceed their expectations.
DeLaval focuses on three words with everything that they do which are, “we live milk.” Assistant Farm Director Jenna Lee caught up with Fernando Cuccioli the Market Area North America Vice President for DeLaval.
When it comes the phrase “we live milk,” Fernando said, “This is how we feel about the industry and what unites us all. It is what makes us go to work everyday and improve the quality of milk in a sustainable way.”
Major ways DeLaval lives milk is through innovation. DeLaval has been creating robotic milking systems for 21 years. Research and innovation are central to the continued success of DeLaval in creating the new ways to better the dairy industry and supporting their customers across the globe. Currently there are seven DeLaval research and design centers across the globe constantly working on new innovation and taking the avenue of robotic milking systems to new highs.
“Robotics has changed drastically over the past few year, said Cuccioli. Before 2000 Kilos of milk was impressive for a robotic system now some producers are reaching 7000 Kilos.”
The newest robotic milking models aid in farm milk production in many ways including less box time and quicker attachment time. This not only increases production but keeps the cows happy as well.
“It depends on a variety of factors on how many cows a system can milk a day but on average a system can milk 60 to 65 cows per day per robot, said Cuccioli.” “The new model has a 10 percent increasing capacity due to reduced box time and quicker attachment time so we are looking at 70 to 75 cows per robot per day.”
Innovation is the lifeblood of DeLaval but sustainability is at the forefront of every move made by the company. There goal is to reduce the environmental footprint of farms, while improving milk production, farm profitability and the well-being of the people and animals involved. They support farmers through technology to do more with less. DeLaval works under a four pillar system for sustainability: animal welfare, environment, social responsibility and farm profitability.
“Every product we design is screened across the four sustainability pillars and if it doesn’t comply with even one it will not move forward, said Cuccioli.”
Overall, DeLaval works hard to bring new innovation to the dairy industry especially in robotic milking systems to help the farm and cows lead happy lives.
“Its big on improving quality of life of the farmer. Farmers can enjoy family events and take vacations that they couldn’t before, but that is for the farmer, said Cuccioli.” “Its a significant improvement for the animal the animal welfare aspect is huge. We know happy cows produce more milk so all together they are good for the farmer and the cows.”
DeLaval is a full-service supplier to dairy farmers. The company develops, manufactures and markets equipment and complete systems for milk production and animal husbandry worldwide. Service and sales of a wide range of accessories are also key aspects of DeLaval’s operations. The company supplies highly efficient system solutions for milking, herd management, animal traffic control, feeding, cooling, manure handling, ventilation and energy recovery. For more information on DeLaval, visit https://www.delaval.com
