Automatic cow milker

Types of the automatic cow milker

An automatic milking system consists of several components that work together to extract milk from cows. The cleaning system ensures that the components are sanitized, while the pulsation system imitates the natural sucking of calves to extract milk without harming the cow. To enhance milk production, stimulators can be used to prepare the cow for milking. Some systems also come with a milk storage container, which can be insulated to keep the milk fresh and cool. A vacuum pump creates a suction force that extracts the milk, and sensors detect when a cow is ready for milking. There are two main types of otomatisasi perahan sapi perah:

• Automatic cluster milking machines: They are the standard unit used across almost all automatic milking systems. The cluster is a combination of a vacuum line, pulsation line, and milk line, all combined into one entity. Other components include a collecting jar, rubber teats, and a claw. The rubber teats connect to the cow's udders, while the claw collects milk from the teats, sends it through the milk line, and collects it into the jar. The claw usually has the milk hose fitted on the top side so that it can be viewed and cleaned easily. The milk hose connects to a filter and begins to fill up. The claw creates a pulsating vacuum that encourages milk to squirt into the jar. The clusters are then dropped into a storage tank, which is part of the refrigeration system. Cluster milking machines are efficient and simulate natural calf suckling, which is essential for efficient milk extraction.
• Milk pump and separator: A separator is necessary to extract milk from cream. A cream pump takes the cream out of milk after the separator has reprocessed the milk through a fat pump. The separator works by taking out the fat, and a cream pump then takes out the fat separately. Automatic separators for cow milk work well for large amounts of milk and use an engine to separate the fat from the rest of the milk. After this process, both skim milk and cream are sent to storage. Milk pumps play an important role in transporting the milk safely from one point to another. They help in the storage process by ensuring that milk is transported without spillage or contamination.

Specifications and maintenance of automatic cow milkers

Here's a brief overview of some key specifications corresponding with their maintenance requirements:

• Operating pressure

  A typical automatic milker will operate efficiently at a pressure range of 0.3 to 0.4 MPa (3 to 4 kg per square meter) with a pulsator pressure between 0.3 and 0.35 MPa (3 to 3.5 kg per sq meter). The vacuum pump should be regularly checked and maintained to ensure that it consistently provides this pressure range. Further, the pulsating valve should be adjusted so that the pressure remains between the recommended levels. Regular checks for leaks and valve malfunction should also be standard practice, as either of these two scenarios will adversely affect the operating pressure.

• Piston diameter and number of cows

  The average size of a piston is between 75 mm and 100 mm. A cow's daily yield can influence the size of the piston and the number of cows serviced by one automatic milker. Larger milkers should be cleaned and disinfected after every use. Service frequency will vary with the size of the automatic milker being used. According to experts, all parts that come in contact with milk should be cleaned with detergent and warm water soon after use. They should also be cleaned with a disinfectant used in the dairy industry, like Acidified Sodium Hypochlorite (ASH). Without proper cleaning, large build-ups of milk fat could occur, contaminating the milk. Further, all parts should be dried naturally. Service parts of the automatic milker that do not come in contact with milk can be cleaned with plain water and a damp cloth.

• Capacity

  It is common to find small automatic milkers with a capacity of 60 to 80 liters and larger ones with a capacity of 120 to 240 liters. Each milker should be cleaned thoroughly before and after use. It is advisable to use warm water and detergents safe for dairy equipment. When large-capacity automatic milkers are washed, the solution's flow rate should be about 1.5 liters per sec. Items that usually come in contact with milk should be sanitized with a solution of 200 ppm chlorine.

• Materials used

  Several materials are involved in the construction of an automatic milker. Routine examinations will ensure parts fit tightly together, eliminating any part that comes in contact with milk and air. Regular lubrication of moving parts that do not come in contact with milk and air will also be helpful. Manual users are advised to refer to the manufacturer's manual detailing the specific type of material used and the hygiene practices required.

Usage scenarios of automatic cow milkers

Automatic milking machines are devices designed to assist with the milking process. They can be used to milk cows of different breeds, including Holstein cows, Jersey cows, Guernsey cows, Ayrshire cows, and Brown Swiss cows. They are mostly found in large-scale dairies with hundreds of cows. In such settings, farmers are needed to milk cows three or more times a day to meet the high milk demands.

Dairy farming is the primary industry that employs automatic cow milkers. However, these machines can also be found in research institutions that study cow milk. In such cases, aid-based feeding researchers help calves consume milk. Automatic cow milkers are preferred because they provide consistent feeding for the calves. They also mimic natural conditions where calves suckle several times a day.

Automatic cow milkers are primarily used on large-scale dairy farms that produce different products from cow milk. Here are some of the products that require frequent large-scale milking and may find automatic milkers helpful:

• Fluid Milk

  Fluid milk is unprocessed milk that is packaged and sold directly to consumers. Automatic cow milkers can be used to efficiently collect milk, which is then pasteurized, homogenized, and packaged for distribution.

• Cheese

  Cow's milk is the primary ingredient in most cheese products, from cheddar to mozzarella to cream cheese. The efficiency of automatic cow milkers is critical for ensuring a steady supply of milk that is then converted into various cheese varieties.

• Custard and Pudding

  Automatic cow milkers may also have a role in the production of custard and pudding. These products often contain significant portions of milk or cream as fundamental components. Milk collected from automatically milked cows can be utilized as an ingredient in making custard and pudding.

• Ice Cream and Milkshake

  Iced milk products, such as ice cream and milkshakes, require a substantial quantity of milk to be processed into creamy and flavorful treats. Automatic cow milkers provide a convenient and efficient method of milking cows while ensuring a consistent supply of milk for producing ice cream and milkshakes.

• Yogurt

  A fermented dairy product, yogurt is made using whole or skim milk. Automatic cow milkers can be used to collect milk efficiently to meet the high demands of large-scale yogurt production.

How to Choose Automatic Cow Milkers

When selecting an automatic cow milker for purchase, it is crucial to consider factors such as the comfort and attitude of the cow, the health requirements, the efficiency of the milking machine, the overall performance, and many additional features that the milker may possess.

Choose a cow milker that is designed to enhance the comfort of cows during the milking process. Such machines are created to keep them calm by having features that minimize noise and mimic the natural milking processes carried out by humans. This allows them to maintain a relaxed state, resulting in higher milk production rates. Maintain a focus on cow comfort to boost productivity levels.

Automatic cow suckle milking machines can help improve the cows' health and milking efficiency. Investing in these machines can result in increased productivity and better-quality milk, ultimately benefitting the dairy business.

Consider the efficiency of the cow milking machine, which is determined by how quickly cows can be milked. It is important to understand that not all cows produce the same amount of milk. Therefore, choose a milking machine that can easily handle greater volumes with less downtime between servicing sessions, resulting in improved overall milking efficiency.

Select a milker with a long service life and simple maintenance needs. Look for a machine's durability, which is primarily attributed to the materials used in its construction, to ensure that it can withstand daily use in commercial settings. Cows are milked several times a day in commercial farming, necessitating the use of equipment that can withstand frequent use without breaking down quickly or requiring constant repairs to keep it functioning properly.

Consider the mobile cow milker, a small-scale milking device ideal for farmers with fewer cows. It is easy to transport and milk cows in different locations, unlike large stationary machines better suited for commercial farms where greater production levels are required. A portable machine's practicality makes it an ideal choice for small-scale farmers who may not have the resources necessary to invest in more significant, more expensive equipment required to accommodate higher milking demands.

Automatic cow milker FAQ

Q1: Does an automatic milking machine affect the quality of milk?

A1: The quality of milk can be influenced by a number of factors, including cow health, cow feeding, milking equipment cleanliness, and the milking process. When used correctly, automatic milking machines can improve the consistency, purity, and hygiene of milk. The automatic milker has a steady and gentle milking action that imitates calf suckling. Cows may experience less stress from automatic milking machines as opposed to conventional milking methods, which could result in milk of higher quality.

Q2: What is the life expectancy of a milking machine?

A2: The average rubber parts of a milking machine can be used for about two years before tearing and becoming unusable. However, with proper maintenance, the machines' pipelines and buckets can last for about five years. The milking machine's longevity is between 2 to 5 years for the rubber parts and 5 years to over a decade for the pipelines and buckets with regular cleaning and maintenance.

Q3: Can cows be over milked with automatic milkers?

A3: Automatic cow milkers are made to milk cows to the right amount without over-milking them. The cow teats are inserted into suction cups with pressure control devices that are set to apply the same pressure as a calf sucking. Additionally, pulsators in automatic milkers imitate a calf's rhythmical sucking and stopping. They periodically alter the suction pressure to replicate natural suck patterns. Over-milking is prevented by this consistent change of pressure. Moreover, automatic milking machines have pulsators that imitate a calf's rhythm, and milk cut-off settings automatically stop milking after the planned amount of milk has been extracted. These characteristics help prevent over-milking and harm to cow udders.