Artificial Intelligence based Milking and Processing

Artificial Intelligence: AI is an ability of a machine to perform specific tasks like a human brain. It has traits to think about and to solve a problem. It is being adopted in dairy sectors as the labour shortage is increasing in rural areas and to manage a large stock we need machines to help us economically and efficiently.

A.I based milking and processing are practised at UVAS Dairy (Ravi Campus). Holstein Frisian Cow is milked there and the process is semi-mechanized and computerized. Artificial Intelligence and computer software is used to manage this procedure. This all process of milking to processing is in elaborated ten steps as mentioned:

1. Releasing Stress before Milking: 

To release the heat stress before entering the milking parlour the showers sprinkle water on the cows and they drink water. It also has a good impact on milk yield. As the milk production decreases if the animal is under stress. Therefore, this is a necessary practice. 

2. Metallic Detectors: They identify the tag numbers with the help of neck collars. It collaborates with the computer via software. It helps to maintain a record of milking cows. If any cow is doesn't get herself milked then this software will alert the manager.

3. Gate: The gate of the milking parlour is atomized and shuts when the space inside the parlour is filled. This automated gate allows the number of cows inside a parlour.

4. Recording Meter: This device detects the collar number and records the cow's milk yield. Any variation in the milk yield will be notified to the computer screen of the manager.

5. Teat Dipping and bedding: Teat dipping cups are used before the automated milking. Teats are dipped before milking and after milking to prevent mastitis and other infections. this practice is also mandatory to maintain hygienic conditions on a farm. Two types of solutions used are pyodine and iodine solution for this purpose which serves as antiseptics. 

For the comfort of cows, rubber sheets are used which are also neat and clean.

6. Milking: Teat cups are used for the milking. These are attached to the udder of cows at the time of milking. As they are AI-based automatic, they help in complete milking of an udder and prevents mastitis. But they must be cleaned regularly to prevent contamination.

7. Milk line: Takes the milk to the chiller from the teat cups. There is a separate room for a chiller where processing happens.

8. Exit: There is a separate gate on the other side for the cows to exit. The cows which are milked are allowed to leave the milking parlour. And it is determined through the neck collar.

9. Milk processing: Milk is stored in a chiller and undergoes processing. 

10. Packaging: After the processing, it is packed in packets of UVAS Dairy. The packing is of one litre each.

The milking parlour of UVAS is modern and is a role model for the new emerging dairies across the country.

To read out more about the use of Artificial Intelligence in the Dairy Sector. Please open the mentioned link: 

Artificial Intelligence in Dairy

https://dsuaf.blogspot.com/2019/12/use-of-artificial-intelligence-in-dairy.html

Written By: Muhammad Basil

IA&DS, FAH, UAF