Feeding in Automatic Milking Systems; Fessenden & Tylutki, AMTS; Van Soest, Vita Plus; Elzinga

This episode was recorded in Fort Wayne, Indiana, during the 2025 Tri-State Dairy Conference.

Dr. Fessenden gives an overview of his presentation which covered both research and field information on automated milking systems. He recommends going back to basics and formulating a rumen-friendly PMR with a complementary palatable feed that encourages the cows into the robot system. (5:57)

The panel discusses ideas for driving cows to the robot on different types of PMRs, management of transition and late lactation cows in automated milking systems, and the use of custom pellets versus other supplemental feeds in the robot. (9:04)

Dr. Fessenden talks about some of his experiences visiting automated milking systems in Europe and some of the differences between European and North American approaches to diet formulations in automated systems. The group goes on to talk about different options for supplemental feed formulations in the robot. (18:38)

Dr. Fessenden and Dr. Tylutki share ideas for how feeding technology could help both traditional and automated milking farms in the future. They discuss more precise grouping of cows and targeted feeding of those groups to better match requirements, as well as how movement to different pens and diet changes can impact milk production. (23:45)

Dr. Tylutki updates the group on advancements in the AMTS balancing tools for multiple robot feeds. He and Dr. Fessenden describe the challenges of developing new tools that are streamlined and user-friendly for nutritionists. They also delve into the role artificial intelligence and machine learning might play in ration balancing in the future. (29:32)

Dr. Fessenden encourages nutritionists to think outside the box when working with automated milking herds to make decisions that are right for that particular farm. Dr. Tylutki chimes in with advice to spend time actually watching the cows on the farm, and Dr. Van Soest echoes this sentiment when it comes to troubleshooting issues with the robots themselves. Don’t just assume it’s an issue with the ration - ask or observe for yourself what may have changed on the farm that could contribute to the issue the farm is facing. (40:02)

Panelists share their take-home thoughts. (45:20)

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