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.
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Maximising efficiency and ROI
In today’s dairy industry, efficiency and profitability are non-negotiable. Every decision on the farm impacts your bottom line, from feed management to herd health. Yet one area often overlooked is manure cleaning. Traditional scraping methods may seem cost-effective at first glance, but when you factor in labour, maintenance, and hygiene-related costs, the picture can change significantly.
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Why automatic manure cleaning?
Keeping sheds clean is essential for cow health, milk quality, and overall farm efficiency. For decades, farmers have relied on traditional manure cleaning methods, such as manual scraping or mechanical scrapers. While these systems have served their purpose, they come with challenges: labour-intensive routines, maintenance headaches, and limitations in cleaning every corner of the barn.
Today, automation is transforming this process. Automatic manure cleaning solutions are not just a convenience, they are a game-changer for modern dairy farming. Here’s why.
5 factors that influence hoof health 5/5
Proper nutrition strengthens hooves and boosts disease resistance. A balanced diet, especially during transition, supports to prevent energy deficits that can affect hoof health. Read more about how feeding strategies can support strong hooves and overall cow resilience.
In a series of five articles, hoof health expert André Janse, Farm Management Specialist at Lely, takes a closer look at this topic and shares valuable insights and practical tips.
Locomotion = Barn design + Hygiene & Climate + Preventive hoof care + Nutrition
