For an optimal milking process, we want to milk quickly (effective in time), gently (maintaining the comfort and well-being of the cow) and completely (milk out most of the available milk). In addition, the liner choice, condition and maintenance are of major importance to this.
Management, Cow health, Milking
Wash and clean
Before replacing or repairing something, first wash the robot and rinse with cold water. In particular, the areas you want to inspect include the STDS, teat cups, cup cords and twin tubes. This ensures that you can work more easily and hygienically.
Silicone and rubber*
Whether you are milking with silicone or rubber liners, you are advised to replace them in time: silicone after 10,000 and rubber after 2,500 milkings. Lely T4C gives an attention when it is time to replace these; remember to reset T4C after replacing.
Changing the liners (figure 1) becomes an easy job when you use the specially designed tool. If you do not have access to this tool, please consult your local Lely Center.
Bleed hole
A clean bleed hole is crucial for optimal milking and milk transport to the milk jar. A blocked bleed hole causes reduced milk flow, which results in a slower cup take-off and incorrect milking on one or more quarters. A higher Dead Milk Time (DMT) may even occur, with increased connection attempts and failures as a result. A specially designed bleed-hole needle is delivered with each robot. Lely advises you to clean the bleed holes twice a day.
In addition to this check, please check the twin tubes visually for cracks and/or other damage.
Duplo covers
Duplo covers prevent teat cups from getting tangled and/or cracked, which may cause a critical alarm. Although the duplo covers themselves are made of solid plastic, some maintenance by cleaning is important. Any dirt and/or other contamination build-up in this area are a potential risk for bacteria growth.
Cup cords
The cup cords ensure that the teat cups are attached securely to the mothership during connection. Secondly, the cup cords retract the teat cups to the mothership after milking, thus preventing the cups from touching the ground and getting dirty. Lely advises you to check the cup cords at least once a week for wear/damage. With grazing or sand bedding in particular, this becomes even more important due to harsher conditions. When conditions require it, cup cords can be exchanged for cup chains.
Summary
As part of the daily routine, clean and check the teat cups, liners, twin tubes/duplo covers, STDS and cup cords. Keeping these parts in good condition primarily prevents unwanted down time and secondly ensures a good milk quality and decreases the risk of udder health-related issues. You may also use Lely T4C Report 56, ‘Robot performance’, to monitor, for example, DMT/MT differences. You can read about the details and functionalities of Report 56 in this article. Once again, prevention is better than cure.
For further detailed information you can also check YourGuide in T4C.
Lely Farm Management Support
*Please note that rubber liners are not available in the USA/Canada.
