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In a rotary milking parlor the cow walks on to a rotating platform. The platform rotation moves the cow to the operator position. The operator can then perform the necessary tasks to milk the cows properly. After milking, the cow exits the milking parlor. Cows are constantly entering and exiting the rotary parlor. The continuous flow is the main contributor to the high parlor throughput.
Rotary parlor milking is different from static parlor milking. With static parlors, a group of cows are brought in to fill one side of the parlor. One or more operators then walk from cow to cow until the clusters are attached to the group of cows. Once the routine is established, this procedure occurs while cows on the opposite side of the parlor are milking. When all cows on that side are finished milking, the cows are released and a new group is brought in. This batch milking procedure alternates from side to side. Inefficiencies are overcome by adding more equipment, more systems or more operators.
Rotary parlor milking is a proven concept. They are labor efficient for dairies requiring a high cow throughput per hour. Cows are very calm and the milking routine is the same for every cow, every day.
The rotary parlor’s operators are positioned in one location for the task being performed. The operators will only leave their stations to attend to a cow or machine with a problem. The continuous cow flow makes it possible for the milker to work without any interruptions because the operator does not assist the cow flow and can totally concentrate on the essential milking tasks. Rotary parlors provide very good working conditions for the operator. They offer a safe and consistent working environment. Platform entry, pre-milking work routine, milking unit attachment and cow exit from the rotary parlor are always constant.
• Cows have a very short walking distance into the milking stall.
• Cows are brought to the operator. The operator does not waste time walking from cow to cow.
• The platform operating continuously at a constant speed controls the pace of the operators.
• The platform speed is adjusted to the group’s milking ability.
• Each cow is provided with equal time for milk-out.
• Group size is not important. There is no problem with extra cows or short loads.
• Each cow has her own stall. This stall looks the same at every milking. The cow is not affected by movements and disturbances caused by a cow in an adjacent stall.
• New cows break in very easily. They simply follow the previous cow on to the platform.
• Rotary parlors fit very well in to a dairy layout. Cow traffic management is very easy with single entry and exit lanes. The single exit lane makes sorting to a treatment area very easy.
The cows face out and the milkers stand on the inside of the platform in the HBR system.
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