Construction of a 60-bale rotary milking parlour in Oregon, USA
Dairy Projects International has completed
construction of a 60-bale rotary milking parlour in Oregon, USA as
part of a major dairy to conversion achieve project farm using
pastoral farming to principles the owner's aspirations maximise
production.
The spring/summer cow numbers on the farm (455 and autumn. The parlour was acres/184 hectare) will double from 300 to 600 in milk over commissioned on 25 January 2004.
Within three weeks the number of cows milked through the parlour
had increased to 400 cows per hour.
This milking parlour incorporates the latest technological
features in rotary milking technology.
Rectangular Yard / Reporoa High-Lift
Gate
The holding yard is 12 meter x 45 meters with a capacity of 360
cows. The location of the entry point on to the platform from the
yard and the design of the control gate at the rear of the cows are
critical factors in meeting expectations for cow-flow.
The Reporoa High Lift Gate can travel over the top of the cow herd
to move smaller groups of cows onto the platform, or to separate
different herds.
This Reporoa High-Lift Gate has a manure-cleaning device
(Dung Buster) attached, eliminating manual washing
of the yard.
Parlour Construction
Chiller panel walls provide strong, lightweight construction. The
material is appealing to look at and very easy to keep clean. A pit
around the circumference of the rotary platform helps keep the
whole shed clean by confining manure as well as helping to ensure
cow contentment. Concrete wall surfaces are coated with Acra-Flex,
a special hard wearing and easy-to-clean product. The building also
incorporates secure drug and chemical storage rooms, a staff room
and a sanitary secure milk room.
Magnum Rotary Platform
The 60-bale rotary platform is the well proven, low maintenance
Magnum. Features of this concrete platform include
the location and design of deck ports that provide perfect cluster
alignment on each cow ensuring fast even milking. The 3.75 meter
wide deck has allowed feed bins to be installed.
Waikato Milking System
The installation of a Waikato Milking System combines
functionality with the latest proven technology in milk harvesting
equipment. All parts, from the 12 track gland to the variable speed
milk pump controller and Smart Air vacuum system incorporating
Waikato electronic 2 + 2 pulsation, are meeting the expectations of
the owner.
Cooling System
The use of a plate cooler combining both primary cooling from well
supplied water and secondary cooling, utilising a
Supacool delivers milk to the milk silo
(bulk tank) at 4°C (39.2°F).
