Use of mobile robotic mliking systems and specific strageties for grazing of dairy cows
Description:
The combination of low-input systems for dairy cows in pasture systems with the new technology of mobile robotic milking systems is absolutely unique in Central Europe. This innovative system offers an interesting alternative to year-round indoor livestock keeping with high input of concentrates to farmers in rural regions. Decreasing amount of work for manure management, forage production, preservation and feeding during the grazing period, decreasing demands for concentrates and rationalization effects in the milking process are the main advantages of this system based on grazing. However, the high investment costs for the mobile robotic equipment is in discrepancy to the principle of low-input. In this project specific strategies for herd management and pasture management will be developed to decrease the financial risk of this system. Specific problems with forage composition, animal health and the quality of milk must be avoided.
Executive Institute:
Department of Agriculture, University of Applied Sciences South Westphalia Details of Department of Agriculture, University of Applied Sciences South Westphalia
Parent institution:
University of Applied Sciences of Suedwestfalen Details of University of Applied Sciences of Suedwestfalen (North Rhine-Westphalia)
Contract period:
01. 10. 2010 - 30. 09. 2013
Project budget:
193,625 €
Participating Institutions:
- Chamber of Agriculture of North Rhine-Westphalia Details of Chamber of Agriculture of North Rhine-Westphalia
Funding Programme:
- Special program of the Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank to promote innovation Details of Special program of the Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank to promote innovation
Subject:
- Animal Husbandry
- Agricultural Technology Animal Production
- Animal health
- Animal nutrition
Purpose of research:
Applied research
Funding Institutions:
- Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank Details of
Project Management Agency:
- Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank Details of Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank