Rational selection and usage of rotary type milking equipment

J. Priekulis¹, M. Mangalis¹* and A. Leola²

¹Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Institute of Agricultural Machinery, Cakstes blvd.5, LV-3001 Jelgava, Latvia
²University of Life Sciences, Institute of Technology, Kreutzwaldi 56EE51006 Tartu, Estonia
*Correspondence: maris.mangalis@llu.lv

Abstract:

The advisable time of operation of the rotary type milking equipment per day depending on the specific exploitation costs has been investigated. It has been stated that these costs can be reduced, if the rotary type milking equipment load is increased. Therefore, it is advisable to organise the work of milkers in two shifts, so that the milking equipment is operated even up to 16 h per day. For this reason the herd of cows should be accordingly large. For instance, milking twice with the equipment with 50 milking places the cow herd can reach having even 2,500 cows, but at milking three times – up to 1,400 cows.

Key words:

exploitation costs, milking, milking time, rotary type equipment

Direct energy consumption and saving possibilities in milk production

M. Rajaniemi, M. Turunen and J. Ahokas*

University of Helsinki, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Agricultural Sciences, PL 28 (Koetilantie 5), 00014 Helsingin yliopisto, Finland; *Correspondence: jukka.ahokas@helsinki.fi

Abstract:

Direct energy consumption in milk production varies largely because of machinery, production systems, working habits and maintenance. There are good possibilities to save energy in milk production. The magnitude of energy savings are in the order of tens of percent, which means that energy saving potential is quite high. Energy saving can be achieved with efficient system and machinery choices. Also adjustments and maintenance have an effect on energy consumption. To save energy the farmers should have means to measure energy and follow energy consumption. There should also be more information of energy saving possibilities and machinery energy consumptions.

Key words: