Training methods for introducing cows to a pasture-based automatic milking system

Training cows to use an automatic milking system (AMS) is an important process as this method of milking depends on cows voluntarily using the AMS. This study examined two levels of training before calving on the behaviour of cows and heifers in an extensive pasture-based AMS. Animals received either no training (NIL), training which included handling, in the AMS and on-farm gating system (MINIMAL) or training in the AMS including exposure to typical noises and mechanical movements, plus on-farm gating system (EXTRA). Training was carried out over four sessions on four non-consecutive days. Training improved ease of entry into the AMS at the first assisted milking (NIL = 17.9s, MIN = 1.4s, EXTRA = 6.7 s, P < 0.05). The additional exposure to the noises and sounds of the AMS had no effect (P > 0.05) on behaviour during milking. Voluntary milkings were achieved by 92% of heifers and 81% of cows within 6 days following their first assisted milking. Irrespective of the level of training, heifers learned to use the on-farm gating system and achieved their first voluntary milking quicker than cows (Time to milking: Heifers = 1.88 d, Cows = 2.55 d, SED = 0.18, P < 0.001). Pre-calving training improved aspects of the behaviour required for successful adaptation to automatic milking but had little impact on time to achieve a voluntary milking. Heifers adapted quicker than cows to automatic milking in a pasture-based farming environment. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.