New automated milk separation unit launched

A NEW milk separation unit that automatically isolates abnormal milk from individual dairy cows – before it enters the bulk tank – has been launched by Fullwood.

Developed for use with the company's Merlin robotic milking parlours, the unit comprises a central pivoting milk pipe – the movement of which is controlled by Merlin's Crystal Herd Management System – suspended over a bank of re-usable 35 litre plastic containers.

Where users have a need to isolate milk from individual cows – for example for hygiene reasons or to collect colostrum – they simply enter details of the appropriate animals into the Crystal programme. Then, once Merlin detects the specified animal has entered the parlour via her transponder, milk is automatically diverted from the milk line, down the pivoting pipe, and into one of the waiting containers.

Once collection is complete, the pipe returns to a central cleaning point where it is automatically washed through, ready for milk from the next selected animal. The process then repeats for other specified cows in the herd.

"The system has been developed to bring an added level of freedom to Merlin robotic milking," explains Fullwood's Chris Stevens.

"It allows users to pre-select cows whose milk needs isolating – for example where it is known to contain antibiotics; or milk from mastitic cows or cows affected by other health issues; or even for collecting colostrum. Users can also specify the number of milkings for which milk needs isolating in this way."

Additionally, for added flexibility, Mr Stevens says the system can be linked to Merlin's automated milk conductivity testing. "In this way, milk can be automatically separated off if electrical conductivity levels, which give an indication of somatic cell counts, rise above a pre-determined trigger level," he adds.

Available as an optional extra on new Merlin robots, the Milk Separation Unit can also be retro-fitted to existing Merlin installations.