Jiří Fryč

Comparison of Conventional and Automatic Milking Systems at Extreme Conditions by Thermographic Method

Abstract The objective of this study is to evaluate the impacts of teat traumatization on Holstein cows caused by two different types of milking systems (CMS – conventional milking system and AMS – an automatic milking system). The experiments were performed in two locations: at Žabčice School Farm of Mendel University in Brno and at ZEMAX, a. s. in Šitbořice. For the evaluation of the degree of traumatization, thermographic images depicting surface temperatures of teats were used. This paper tested the hypothesis that, at extreme conditions, the teat traumatization of Holstein cows does not depend on used milking system. The hypothesis was disproved by the performed monitoring. From statistical point of view, it was observed that there were significant differences depending on which milking system was used.

Vacuum Fluctuation in 2 × 13 Herringbone Milking Parlour in Dependence on Vacuum Control Method

Abstract Vacuum fluctuation was measured using three different vacuum control methods. Firstly, the use was made of a control valve delivered by the manufacturer; then, an additionally installed frequency converter was used. Lastly, a frequency converter fitted with the stabilisation device prototype was used. First, control sensitivity according to ISO was measured in all the three alternatives. Then, vacuum fluctuation during milking was measured. To conduct the measurements under objectively identified conditions, another measurement was conducted with air feed during milking being replaced with a precisely defined variable flow rate. The conducted measurement confirmed the fact that when the frequency converter is used, vacuum fluctuation in stabilised condition is at the same level as when the control valve is used. If there are sudden changes in flow rate and the frequency converter is used, vacuum fluctuation increases. The proposed stabilisation device prototype can reduce the fluctuation in small milking plant but it is not suitable in large milking parlours.