for the job - Ubisi Mail Magazine

MAIN FEATURE• The stall gates are expensive toinstall and are quite noisy.• Operators can become quite tired,due to udders being almost 2,5metres apart.• A large area has to be washed andthe upright stall construction canmake cleaning difficult.Rotary milking parloursCows are milked on a rotating, elevatedcircular platform. Cows stand in anabreast formation. They can facetowards the inner or the outer edge ofthe platform. The abreast type takesup the least space per number of cowsmilked. The milker stands in one placeoutside the platform and the cows aremoved to him.The platform speed can be regulated,giving the milker time to prepare eachcow and attach a milking unit. Up to 40cows can be milked on a rotary unit.Rotary parlours normally consist of acircular steel platform. The platformrotates on rollers and is driven byelectric or hydraulic motors.The tandem sidegate parlour is suitablefor smaller herds, but can accommodateup to 200 cowsThe basic swingover herringbone parlouris very popular in pasture-based dairyfarmingAdvantages• This parlour accommodates a steady output of cows.• Operators do not have to walk much.Disadvantages• This system is quite expensive to maintain.• There is a big risk of mechanical failure, which can halt the entire milkingprocess.• The rotary parlour cannot be expanded as far as building is concerned.• Over-milking or under-milking can occur. UMUBISI MAIL | MARCH 2009 7