With the growing use of automated equipment in the dairy industry, it is tempting to think the dairy farmer's "to do" list is getting shorter. There's no doubt that the installation of automated equipment on a dairy changes the "to do" list, but that doesn't mean work responsibilities are evaporating. They're just changing.
Once installation of new automated equipment has been completed, can everyone just walk away and consider the job taken care of? Of course not. There is regular monitoring, adjusting, cleaning, and maintenance that needs to be done. If these activities don't happen, then what was invested in with the intent of convenience or improved management might actually turn into a nightmare.
Before new equipment, such as an automatic calf feeder, is put into everyday use, it is critical that the recommendations for how to program and use it properly are understood. If the equipment was sold without an adequate introduction to its use, then it's likely that somebody wasn't doing their job. Contact that person and request some training time to get a firm grasp on how everything works.
Using automated equipment usually allows for more time to be spent on other activities, but there still needs to be an investment of time with the automated equipment. With the example of automatic calf feeders, someone needs to make sure they're being regularly cleaned. With multiple calves sucking off of one nipple throughout the day, this is critical. And with a likely increased intake by the calves, there will also likely be an increase in the quantity of "output" from the other end. Attention to cleaning in the housing area is going to be necessary as well.
A watchful eye must continue to monitor the health of animals and ensure that the equipment is resulting in positive results. There are probably a hundred different options that could be tweaked with the equipment programming to optimize its effectiveness in a dairy herd, and those settings might be different from farm to farm. There is a lot to watch out for.
Automation can potentially improve the quality of life for both the dairy farmer and the animals being cared for. Enjoy the benefits of automation, but remember to be proactive with how it's handled, rather than reactive to the consequences of a diverted "to do" list.
(Photo obtained from grobernutrition.com)
