Singeing Udders
When temperatures drop cows start to grow thicker hair to protect them against the winter cold. This makes them sweat, and excessive hair growth on the udder and tail may also impair robot efficiency. Cows’ tails are usually shaved mechanically using a shaver. There are two options for removing hair from the udder: shaving or singeing (flame clipping).
Management, Cow health
Singeing Udders
Shaving or singeing?
Shaving udders is a time-consuming and sometimes tricky task. It can take a long time and as cows usually dislike the process, it causes them stress. An alternative is singeing, whereby a yellow, airless flame is used to singe the hair. Singeing takes less time but is just as unpleasant for cows. Singeing clears the udder of hair within seconds. Lely advises removing hair from the udder systematically 6 to 8 times per year.
It is important that the job is done quickly and correctly, so here is some advice:
- The hairs should not be too long.
- It is best to carry out singeing in the treatment box.
- Make sure there is enough ventilation, so that the smell disperses quickly.
- Use the right equipment, to ensure you have the proper yellow flame.
Preventive effect
A clean udder does not just improve robot efficiency; it also improves udder health. Long hairs on udders are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria which may lead to mastitis. This is a particular risk in autumn and winter when the air and environment are humid and there are sharp fluctuations in temperature. Humidity increases the risk of overall pollution and bacterial contamination. Take preventive action, such as clean bedding and clean udders to ensure milk quality and udder health.
Other Farming Insights
Why farmers choose the Lely Discovery Collector
When it comes to barn hygiene, every farmer can recognise themselves in at least one of the following challenges:
- Labour shortages and succession planning – Skilled labour is hard to find, and automation offers a sustainable solution.
- Maintenance headaches – Conventional systems require frequent rope changes and repairs, costing time and money.
- Deep bedding stress – Managing sand or other bedding materials adds complexity.
- Limited cleaning with traditional scrapers – Corners and tight spaces often remain dirty, impacting hygiene.
The Lely Discovery Collector is the proven answer to these problems. Designed for barns where traditional systems can struggle, it combines robust engineering, intelligent operation, and reliability to clean every corner, even the hard-to-reach areas, day and night. For farmers who want consistent hygiene, healthier cows, and less manual labour, the Discovery Collector is the smart choice.
The first solution for dense barn floors: the Lely Discovery Collector
Keeping your barn clean is essential for cow health, milk quality, and overall farm efficiency. But what if your barn has dense floors, sand bedding, or irregular layouts? Traditional scraping systems often struggle in these conditions. That’s why Lely developed the Discovery Collector, the first manure robot designed specifically for dense barn floors.
This innovative solution combines robust engineering, intelligent operation, and proven reliability to deliver consistent cleaning in even the most demanding environments. It’s not just a manure collector, it’s a smarter way to keep your barn hygienic and your cows comfortable and clean in all areas of the barn.
Why reliability and adaptability matter in automatic manure cleaning
If you’re considering automatic manure cleaning, two questions usually come first: “Will it work in my barn?” and “Will it keep working?” The Lely Discovery Scraper is built to answer both. With proven technology, robust design, and exceptional fit across different barn layouts, it’s a safe, smart step towards cleaner floors, healthier cows, and a more efficient routine.
