ENGINEERING FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT IMPROVEMENT OF MOBILE MILKING PARLOURS IN SMALL DAIRY FARMS INCLUDING TECHNICAL AND FUNCTIONAL ASPECTS

Abstract

Abstract. The aim of this paper was to show and analyse selected technical parameters of mobile milking parlours, which could help in solving the problem of milking on some dairy farms. The article was based on the experience of operating a specific dairy farm in Poland, intended for 28 cows and using a mobile milking technique. The measured consumption of fuel by the tractor used to operate the mobile milking parlour in the investigated dairy farm was (mean±SD) 2.6±0.4 kg⋅h -1 for morning and evening milking. Given the measured milking time, cow herd size and milk yield, it was possible to calculate the fuel consumption, which amounted to 0.11±0.003 kg⋅cow -1 ⋅milking -1 and 8.44±1.3 kg⋅t -1 (kg of diesel fuel per ton of milk). The cost of diesel fuel was about 1.16 EUR⋅kg -1 , so the cost of the fuel consumed by the tractor was about 0.13±0.004 EUR⋅cow -1 ⋅milking -1 . In order to extend the research analyses, model calculations were used, based on the methodology applied in evaluation as well as optimization of parlours, created in the Czech Republic. The results of measurements and calculations in the subject farm were compared against possible future technological improvements and a farm with enlarged capacity of 50 cows. The process of evaluation of the milking parlour parameters was based on the available information and results of previous research conducted in Polish dairy farms in recent years. The time spent on milking and the final specific direct costs are the main parameters, which enable the evaluation and selection of a suitable milking parlour for a dairy farm