COOLING COWS WITH SPRINKLERS IN THE ROBOTS

There are a few differences between managing heat stress in robotic barns as compared to parlors. Cooling is even more important for robot cows because heat stress can result in fewer trips to the robot. Fewer trips to the robot can mean lower robot feed consumption. Sprinkling water on cows is a key part of keeping them comfortable. For conventional barns, the holding pen provides a great opportunity to sprinkle cows on their way into the parlor, but sprinkling cows outside of the robots can create traffic problems. Some farms are cooling cows with sprinklers mounted in the robots, to spray cows as they exit after milking. I contacted a few of them and they are happy with the results. Here is what I learned.

Nozzles are mounted to spray water over the cow’s shoulder after milking is completed. The nozzle is activated by the opening of the exit gate. Water is usually controlled by tapping into the airline that controls the gate cylinder, which activates an air over electric switch. The water supply can be controlled manually as air temperature increases and decreases, but some have added a thermostat for fully automatic operation.

Most users report more milkings and more refusals when the robot sprinklers are on. Others report slight increases when they turn the sprinklers on and a return to normal after a few days. Some cows are startled for a few milkings, but they get used to it quickly. Overall, users are very satisfied. It is important to prevent cows from blocking the robot exit as this could keep the water running longer than needed.

Inside the robot is the best place to spray because cows cannot congregate around the nozzle. Spraying in the commitment pen or outside the robot can restrict cow flow. Spray nozzles could be positioned in the entrance or exit gates of guided flow barns, but there is a risk of cows standing in the gate, or backing out of the gate. Cow chasing devices on the robots, and pushing from waiting cows, should keep cows moving through when water is sprayed in the robots.

Robot sprinklers are being used in both the US and Canada, but check local regulations before installing them on your farm. Check with your manufacturer and dealer too, in case there are any concerns with operation or warranty. Make sure your water supply can handle the extra volume. While one cow in one robot doesn’t take a lot of water, eight cows in eight robots might make a difference. Spraying in the robots is self-defeating if it means the drinking water supply is compromised. Safety devices can be added to limit the amount of water used but they will add cost and make the system more complicated.

Cow Corner can help you measure and monitor heat stress on your farm. I can also share more ideas for managing heat stress, based on real experience with robotic dairies like yours.