During a practical training session at a dairy farm using milking robots, several participants asked how best to approach the process of milking heifers.
From the animal's perspective, a lot changes around the time a heifer calves, so don't underestimate this.
Everything is new and unfamiliar to her:
She has just calved for the first time, her calf is taken away from her, she is often transferred to another group (which can cause ranking issues), she moved to different housing, on top of that, she must get used to the milking process in the milking robot.
Environmental factors play a more important role than genetic factors, which is why, in my opinion, there are no fixed rules when it comes to the training of heifers; everything is based on individual experiences, advice, and guidelines. Nothing is black and white.
The LSS method is based on applying pressure and creating distance, which is also the case when a heifer visits the milking robot for the first time. Heifers must be able to access the robot without being obstructed by older, higher-ranking cows.
Obstacles, barriers, and narrow walkways seen from the heifer's perspective are disastrous. Both the animal handler and the heifer are better off staying calm (especially) during the first milking, or as I always say: “If you want to do something fast with cows, do it slowly.”
The first experience with the milking robot is a lasting one for heifers, and they need to become familiar with the new environment, the milking process, and visiting the robot as part of their daily routine.
BEFORE CALVING, LET THE HEIFER FIRST HAVE A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE “IN A SMALL SPACE”:
* Ensure an optimal dry period ration with good protein coverage and mineral supply, prevent Uddel oedema.
* With a concentrate feeding station, you can get heifers perfectly accustomed to a controlled supply of concentrates before calving.
They will quickly get used to receiving the feed in a small space between barriers in a trough or box.
* Personally, I am in favor of protecting the hindquarters of cattle in the concentrate feeding station, to prevent “feed envy”, hierarchy fights, and unrest among fellow cattle.
* If possible, allow the heifer to “train” in a group of lactating cows, but make sure that the heifer consumes enough protein and minerals, especially with supplementary feed in the concentrate feeding station or in the milking robot.
* The udder and tail should be clean and trimmed short.
* The udder and teats should be clean and dry.
* A comfortable, clean, and dry calving environment is essential (in my opinion, this should NOT BE A “SICK BAY”).
Source photos Nicole Beuwer-Roeven