Thanks to the state of the art Lely systems, the 250+ strong herd of cows at the 8,000 acre Oakly Park Estate now decide for themselves when to eat, drink, rest or be milked. The animals enjoy freedom of movement and greatly reduced stress levels, naturally increasing yields.
The Lely Astronaut milking system uses a free-flow concept, while the robotic milking stations are silent and extremely sensitive, so the cows are fully comfortable and free to choose when to be milked in keeping with their natural rhythms. As a result, they instinctively increase the number of times they visit, in turn improving the milk yield.
Complimentary to the milking system is Lely Vector, an entirely automated feeder which ensures there is always enough freshly mixed, nutrient rich food at the feed fence. It measures the feed, calculates the right ingredients and ensures there is never too much or too little food available. The cows are free to feed when they want and to make better use of their rations. This has been found to stimulate fodder ingestion and benefit animal health.
Chris Hyde, Director of Land Agency at Cooke & Arkwright, who provides land management advice to Plymouth Estates said, “Animal welfare was a major consideration for our client when deciding to install this incredible robotic system. It is of huge benefit to the herd’s health and comfort.
“The cows have adjusted very quickly because the system gives them such freedom of choice. They visit voluntarily and more frequently, which means they are more comfortable. It increases capacity and milk yield in a very natural way.
“The cows are visibly much happier and more relaxed using this system than they are with the traditional milking regime. It’s very rewarding to see as they live a much gentler pace of life.
“As you walk around the unit, you are overtaken by a busy robot as it trundles off to feed the cows before returning to its station to re-charge and re-fill, which is as remarkable as it is bizarre. However, what amazes us now will undoubtedly become the norm in a very short space of time, and it is exciting that our clients are at the very cutting edge of this transformation.”
Milk produced at Oakly Park Estate is sold at the Plymouth Estate’s Ludlow Farm Shop which stocks milk, cheese, beef, lamb and Gloucester Old Spot pork as well as game, fruit and vegetables from the estate.