Freedom to
choose
DeLaval Voluntary )
MS
Milking System (V
Your solution – every day
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
Choose the
automation that
works smarter
for you
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
Automated solutions make your farm more profitable without Increasing demands on your milk production may be driving your plans to
expand. But how will you face the challenges of finding the right people and
the hard work. One of the core solutions is automated milking. technologies to care for your cows – the milking, the feeding, the cleaning and
the many other tasks involved in running a successful dairy operation?
DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS) sets you free from
DeLaval can help you find the answer – by providing the automation solution
the manual labor of milking. So you can improve your herd’s that works smarter for you, every day.
performance, while managing your own time better. By expanding your operation to include DeLaval Voluntary Milking System
(VMS), you can achieve new levels of labor-saving efficiency, reliability, flexibility,
animal health and milk quality.
An automated milking barn solution maximizes time for management while
minimizing labor requirements in milk production. You can expect better milking
performance from your herd, improved cow comfort and better overall herd
management.
VMS can give you more freedom to manage your own time. Your farm is your
life – one that you’ve worked hard for. Now it can start working for you.
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
The smart
solution
DeLaval shows you how to achieve more from your herd with At the heart of DeLaval VMS is a computer-controlled, automated system that
streamlines or removes much of the manual labor associated with milking cows.
fewer resources, and how to expand your operation while
A touch-screen interface gives you fast and intuitive control of the entire
lowering labor costs. VMS simply gives you more control over system.
your business. VMS uses an agile hydraulic, robotic arm together with lasers and an image
processing system for precise, quick teat detection. The arm does not get tired
or lose patience with difficult cows – it has a range of options to help attach
difficult udders and speed up the attachment process on easy udders.
DeLaval’s robotic milking solution offers farming families time away from a
stringent daily milking schedule. Family events may be enjoyed to the fullest –
and more time may be spent managing your feed costs, controlling your herd
health, and applying your management skills to all areas of your dairy business.
The system may easily be switched to manual mode to train new cows. And
with the AutoTeach feature, each cow’s teat position is automatically identified,
so milking may proceed immediately. You can save even more time with
automatic adjustment of milking permissions based on time, expected yield,
lactation number and days in milk. You may also use a laptop computer or PDA
as a wireless remote to give you even more control and independence.
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
The most
advanced
robotic arm
Fast, effective, flexible… and gentle. Perhaps it’s no surprise that The unique design of the hydraulic robot arm sets DeLaval apart from other
automatic milking systems: it enables more cows to be milked over a given
the milking arm on DeLaval’s VMS is modeled after the human time period. This multi-purpose arm – modeled after the flexible movement
range of the human arm – gently handles teat cleaning, teat cup attachment
arm – yet it’ll keep on working, day-in, day-out, around the clock. and teat disinfection. The multi-purpose arm also helps assure proper milk tube
alignment to reduce slippage and kick-offs.
The high performance teat visualization system has a camera coupled with dual
lasers to help assure fast and accurate teat identification for quick, dependable
attachment rates. The arm is flexible enough to attach teats at 45° angles. To
further enhance comfort and save time, the AutoTeach feature gives DeLaval
the ability to automatically find the teats without manual programming.
The hydraulic functioning of the arm provides extended reliability and reduced
service requirements when compared with pneumatic systems.
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
A calm,
comfortable
experience
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
Technology should adapt to the cow, not the other way around. Cows that are comfortable will have much better milk letdown and yield, and a
robot that is inviting will process more milkings per day. So the system’s milk-
DeLaval VMS allows animals to follow a calm and natural rhythm ing station is designed to comfortably accommodate long and short cows with
indexing feed manger and splash guard. Feed is gradually dispensed during
throughout the entire milking cycle. This way, everybody benefits. milking and stopped at the most convenient time for the cow to exit the station
quickly.
Cows milk when they like – in a calm, quiet environment. DeLaval VMS has
been designed to enhance and promote that concept. The animal enters the
milking station and stands naturally on the flat, slip-resistant floor. The feed
manger automatically indexes so the cow is positioned well for milking.
Each teat is then individually cleaned, stimulated, pre-milked and dried before
milking. Optimum teat stimulation leads to higher milk flow and shorter unit
on‑time – and that translates to higher milking capacity and profitability.
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
Planning
for success
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
Success relies on more than just buying technology – you Skillful barn planning and barn design are crucial for success with automated
milking to keep cow traffic flowing smoothly and to gain maximum benefit from
need to consider all the vital elements that will make your barn overall system performance. You need to plan a labor-efficient barn layout while
respecting the requirements of voluntary milking for the cows – frequent feeding
productive, such as cow traffic, feeding strategy, cow comfort… and comfortable resting. Your goal is to maximize barn performance while
and above all, how the whole system fits together. minimizing the labor needed to keep everything running smoothly.
What is the best solution for your operation? Should you select two, three, four
or even six rows with one or two feed alleys? Would you prefer free cow traffic
or managed cow traffic? We can assist you in finding the right answers to all
these questions and more.
Whether you’re planning a new or renovated barn, DeLaval is here to help you
as you plan your project.
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
DeLaval VMS gives you the freedom to choose the type of cow To give you some ideas about how to maximize performance and cow comfort,
here is a sample solution showing four DeLaval VMS, 250 cows and a central
traffic that’s best for your farm. Whether free cow traffic, feed first feed alley. The herd is divided into four equal pens. Each pen has a DeLaval
VMS and a separation area for handling attention cows that are automatically
or milk first, DeLaval VMS will milk just as quickly and effectively diverted by the VMS.
no matter which strategy is used. Cow traffic is based on the Feed First concept. Cows have free access to the
feed bunk at all times. They always follow the same simple circle, which makes
it easy for them to adapt and perform in a predictable manner. Upon their return
to the holding area, a DeLaval Smart Selection Gate (SSG) will identify each
cow to determine status specific to milk permission. When a cow has milking
permission, she will be directed to the VMS.
An office is strategically located to provide a clear view inside the barn, and
each VMS is easily accessible via a short clean path. The milk cooling tank is
placed close to the milking stations to minimize the length of milk lines and
reduce overall water consumption.
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
Managing your
herd more easily
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
With DeLaval VMS, it’s possible to monitor each cow individually, even in herds
The key to better herd management lies in better with hundreds of cows. With clear identification of each cow, the intelligent herd
management software flags exceptional animals, such as those that deviate
understanding of your animals. VMS herd management from normal milking or activity levels. By using special cow sorting areas with
optional computer-linked smart selection and separation gates, you may easily
software gives you that information, allowing you to achieve automated cow separation and handling.
make better decisions in less time. DeLaval VMS herd management software automates daily tasks to save even
more time. A smart and simple index – MDi (Mastitis Detection index) – will
give you an updated overview of the health of each cow after milking. You can
count on daily VMS help with automatic teaching of new cows brought into
the system, and automatic milk permission settings based on days in milk and
expected yield.
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
Feeding strategy –
increase station
visits and yields
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
What, when and how you feed your animals plays a significant A key factor in gaining the best performance from your cows in an automatic
milking system is the feeding strategy that you plan. This will influence how the
role in the volume and quality of yield that your herd produces. cows move around the barn, and how they behave socially.
Do you have the right menu for successful productivity? Regular feeding throughout the day and night increases animal activity and
encourages increased visits to the milking stations. It promotes higher milk
yields due to increased dry matter intake.
By providing additional concentrate feed stations, you will also have the
opportunity to make individual corrections to each cow’s ration. You may lower
the mix and increase the energy content provided in the feed stations to better
suit the individual needs of each cow.
DeLaval can help you plan the correct feeding strategy for your ambitions, and
help you take advantage of the opportunities to reduce labor and feed costs.
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
Monitoring
and protecting
the quality of
your milk
The success of your business depends on the quality of the milk Milk quality with DeLaval VMS is safeguarded by the unique hygienic design of
the milking station and the advanced sensors used to monitor each quarter of
you produce. So it is worth assuring that your milk is harvested every cow. Specific features – such as the manure splash guard, automatic floor
cleaning, rinsing of all cups inside and out between each cow, and immediate
and stored in the best possible conditions. Once again, the teat cup kick-off alert – all contribute to better milk quality and your overall
peace of mind. There’s also a unique teat preparation cup that cleans and dries
unique design features of VMS are here to help.
the teats before milking. The teat preparation cup has its own separate line so
no dirty pre-milk may enter the main milk line.
An optical milk meter measures conductivity, milk flow, yield and blood levels
in each quarter. Abnormal milk will automatically be diverted according to the
criteria that you set in the software.
The optional DeLaval Online Cell Counter (OCC) (not available in all countries)
can provide an accurate Somatic Cell Count (SCC) for each animal at every
milking.
While all of this is happening, the VMS system’s real-time management
software safely records all data and events for retrieval wherever and whenever
you need them.
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
Cooling systems
and solutions
DeLaval offers a complete range of cooling solutions and tanks Any successful robotic milking system must protect the milk once it has been
harvested, and DeLaval offers a choice of two types of cooling systems that
for keeping your milk in perfect condition while it awaits collection. may be adapted to meet different needs.
This can make an important difference in the value of your Flow Controlled Cooling (FCC) is ideal for low milk flows and irregular milking
patterns as it can adjust its cooling capacity according to the flow into the tank.
product.
It takes the temperature of the milk below 35°F, while removing the risk of ice
build-up.
Buffer Controlled Cooling (BCC) is designed for much larger volumes, and
provides the possibility of instantly cooling batches of milk before they enter
the main holding tank. This means that milk may be harvested even as the main
tank is being emptied and cleaned.
DeLaval supplies a seamless solution from teat to tank – that means that you
can rely on one partner for your complete milk system needs.
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
Comfortable
cows are more
productive and
profitable
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
Animal health and welfare is paramount to the success of your Cow comfort and health are important factors for animal welfare and for milk
quality and yields. They will play a key role in improving your profitability.
business. When you invest in VMS, DeLaval can help you provide
Naturally, cows need plenty of quality feed, water and fresh air. They also need
the optimum level of comfort and care for your herd. soft, dry and clean resting surfaces and sound footing. Standing and lying
down should come easily. DeLaval can help you achieve all of these needs – for
instance, with rubber mats and mattresses and cow-activated swinging cow
brushes.
Hoof care is essential to cow health and comfort, and foot bathing to reduce
hoof diseases and maintain hoof integrity plays an important role. DeLaval
automated footbath AFB1000 virtually maintains itself as you program the
controller to provide effective foot bathing for your animals.
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
Service, support,
advice: DeLaval is
there for you
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
Automating your dairy operation is a big step – so it’s important Reliability is critical for the success of automated milking – and you may rely
on the support of DeLaval personnel as well as your DeLaval-trained VMS
to choose a partner with the experience and expertise to make it specialists to assist you in establishing and upgrading your automated milking
operation to its highest potential – from initial planning and design, to regular
a success. scheduled servicing and maintenance.
DeLaval VMS can take your dairy operation to new levels of productivity and
profitability.
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
DeLaval’s Hamra Farm –
developed by farmers,
for farmers
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DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS)
DeLaval’s class-leading dairy farming technology has been Hamra Farm is a research farm for DeLaval solutions, and is used as a training,
research and meeting facility. It is also a fully functioning, 5,100 acre dairy farm
developed specifically for farmers, by farmers. It is tested and with approximately 230 milking cows in three barns that has been run as a
commercial enterprise since 1901. Today it produces milk in both stanchion and
used in real-life conditions – right here – at DeLaval’s very own loose housing environments including a fully automated milking barn. In 2008,
more than 50% of the cows produced an average of over 24,700 lbs. (11,000
Hamra Farm, outside Tumba, just south of Stockholm in Sweden.
liters) of milk each.
Visiting Hamra gives you a great opportunity to see the latest developments
from DeLaval in practice. Milking is conducted in a conventional herringbone
parlor, a parallel parlor and a VMS milking robot.
We look forward to welcoming you to our very own Hamra Farm and showing
you how DeLaval can offer complete milk harvesting solutions for your dairy
business.
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DeLaval Inc. DeLaval Inc.
11100 North Congress Avenue 2020 Fisher Drive
Kansas City, MO 64153-1296 Peterborough, ONT K9J 7B7
USA Canada
Telephone: 816-891-7700 Telephone: 705-741-3100
Fax: 816-891-1606 Fax: 705-741-3150
www.sustainabledairyfarming.com www.delaval-us.com www.delaval.ca
www.milkproduction.com www.profoundproductivity.com
DeLaval has over 125 years of experience and innovation in the Our Sustainable Dairy Farming solutions will increasingly contribute to the
production of more quality food, for more people, with less impact on the
dairy business, helping dairy producers operate their farms in the environment. It’s all part of our Smart Farming strategy – putting dairy farmers
at the center stage of a fully integrated and automated farm operation.
best way.
A dairy producers’ future is defined by scale and efficiency. Integrated
automation is increasingly providing the answers to the need for enhanced
profitability; while consumers are making growing demands for greater food
quality and safety.
DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS) is making a major contribution to that
Smart Farming strategy by maximizing time for management while minimizing
labor requirements in milk production.
DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS) supports
DeLaval’s commitment to Sustainable Dairy Farming:
solutions that meet environmental challenges, respect
animal welfare and benefit customers and society.
is a registered trademark of Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. and “DeLaval” is a registered trade/servicemark of DeLaval Holding AB © 2011 DeLaval Inc.
DeLaval, 11100 North Congress Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1296. www.delaval-us.com. 535705362 1/2011
