New technology on Co. Down Dairy Farm Improves Efficiency

County Down farm manager Ivor Lowry, and herd manager Ian McAteer, from Blakiston Houston Estate, Dundonald,  recently hosted a large group of local dairy farmers interested in developing their dairy business through the incorporation of modern labour saving technology.  The event was organised by local CAFRE Dairy Development Advisers Conail Keown and Kenny White, with the assistance of Ronan Coll,  CAFRE IT technologist.

The discussion was both interesting and informative with much debate on the effectiveness of modern technology in terms of both saving time and making management easier. The unit’s cow segregation system was demonstrated, allowing the group to see the benefits in the daily management of the herd in terms of improved cow flow and labour efficiency.  Both Ivor and Ian stressed the value and importance of adopting an integrated approach to managing data on the dairy unit. Each cow in the herd is fitted with a motion sensor and an electronic identification (EID) button tag. The motion sensor relays information back to a PC, which alerts Ian to when an animal is displaying signs of heat. The EID tag is used to identify the animals due for service. After milking, cows pass through a segregation gate which identifies each animal using its EID tag and directs animals, such as those due for service, to a holding area. The motion sensor, EID and segregation gate are all managed via a PC and parlour software. Ian explained to the group:  “It is a real advantage having cows automatically segregated into a holding pen, ready for insemination after each milking. No stress on the cows, and a big saving on my time”.

Ronan gave a detailed overview of the systems currently available to dairy farmers, and explained the idea of having multiple systems (cow activity meter, EID and segregation gate) controlled from a single point. This results in a system which is both easier to use and more reliable, and provides a functional approach to management and labour efficiency on a modern  dairy farm.   

Ian McAteer, herd manager Blakiston Houston Estate (centre), Conail Keown CAFRE Dairy Development Adviser (right) and Ronan Coll CAFRE IT Technologist (left) discuss the advantages of using integrated IT systems to improve cow management and labour efficiency.