The Merlin Automated Milking System (also knows as Robotic Milking) offers a new concept in modern milking, with many benefits to today's farmers.
Fullwood’s long experience in machine milking ensures that the very best knowledge available is utilised in making life as easy as possible for man and animal. Much of the equipment incorporated in Merlin, is the same as is used successfully in Fullwood parlours throughout the world.
The advantages for the farmer are obvious, no more early morning milkings. More flexibility to concentrate on the many other important tasks around the farm. Not having to plan the day around strict milking times.
The benefits for the animals are just as significant. Being able to choose when they want to be milked has many advantages for the cows. They can enter the unit when they feel most comfortable and as every cow has different milking times these are staggered throughout the day and night. Standing for long periods in collecting yards is removed along with all the associated problems this can bring, the time saved not standing around can be more productively used to eat or rest. Bully cows can no longer intimidate the quieter animals.
Altogether a far more restful environment for man and cow is evident with the bonus of increased milk yields and improved quality and cleanliness of the milk.
Merlin is one element of the total package Fullwood can supply to your farm:
* Identification
The identification system used by Merlin is based on ear tags, transponders or pedometers as used in Fullwood parlours throughout the world. A big advantage of pedometers is the step counting facility. Research has shown that cows in oestrus can be up to seven times more active than normal. The Crystal software monitors activity to ensure that the optimum time for insemination is most likely to bring about conception. Likewise it is possible to detect a sick, or lame cow by monitoring reduced activity.
When a cow is identified Merlin decides if she is to be milked or not. The general rule applied is that the cow should produce 7litres of milk before she is milked, this amount is adjustable and based on her current performance. If a cow returns too soon to the unit she will not be fed or milked.
* Integrated Herd Management System
A critical element of an automatic milking system is the management system. Merlin incorporates Crystal™, the fully integrated management system developed and manufactured by Fullwood. With easy and instant access to data, changes can be programmed quickly when required. This allows then user to always manage the system with the most recent information available.
Crystal incorporates a comprehensive range of modules (i.e. feeding, milking, weighing, separation, health, fertility). Data can also be imported and exported into related outside organisations such as milk recording agencies and cattle movement records. Supported by PC Anywhere, help is at hand should it be needed, simply by means of a telephone line connection.
More on Crystal
* Static Laser for precision
When a cow enters the system for the first time her teat locations are identified by the static laser and the 3D co-ordinates stored in the computer. On each subsequent milking after the initial visit, the laser updates the stored teat co-ordinates to take account of physiological changes since the last milking, e.g. differences in the amount of milk in the udder. The laser technology is not influenced by deviations such as an angled teat. Having no moving parts, the static laser has no service requirement.
* Segregation
Simple access and free cow traffic prior to the robot is essential for Merlin efficiency, however there is often a need to control the exit for a variety of reasons. Merlin is able to control the cow traffic upon exit.
Fullwood segregation systems enable individual cows to be separated from the herd or the whole herd to be divided into different groups. These instructions can be made by Merlin or the user. The user has the scope to make segregation instructions by pre-setting parameters in the software. The gate is operated by Merlin or in a remote situation by an archway or walkover antenna.
Segregation determined by Merlin is used for:
o Selecting cows for attention (heath & sickness)
o Separating cows into groups for feeding or grazing
o Ensuring cows which have not been milked return to Merlin
* Blood Sensing Equipment
To conform with Annex C of ISO 20966, Fullwood has developed a Blood Sensor, for added quality assurance and better than the most observant human.
* FullQuest Quarter conductivity sensing
Research has shown that changes in the electrical conductivity of milk can provide a valuable early warning of the likelihood of mastitis, particularly when combined with reductions in milk yield. Merlin measures the conductivity of milk from each teat, so pinpointing the problem quarter. Independent tests have shown that FullQuest can reliably detect milk from quarters infected with major pathogens and/or visible signs of mastitis to a higher degree of accuracy than the human eye.
* Milk Separation
Merlin can interpret signals from the FullQuest and/or Blood Sensor and through the Crystal software can then automatically reject the abnormal milk. Likewise it can also be programmed to reject the milk from newly calved cows and those being treated by antibiotics
* Feeding
Merlin incorporates two dc electric feed dispensers as standard. With the option of a mineral dispensing unit, the Merlin AMS provides a comprehensive choice to satisfy all feed requirements. Crystal software can integrate the feeding of animals in Merlin and/or an outside feed station, and it allows the user to restrict access to the outside feed station in favour of a visit to the milking system to receive the programmed quantity of feed.
* Merlin Cooling Systems
The cooling system has a direct impact on the capacity achieved from an automatic milking system. When the tank is being emptied or cleaned milk cannot be transferred from the milking stations. Using a buffer tank addresses this issue. Fullwood cooling systems fully integrate with Merlin automatically, diverting and transferring milk, cleaning storage vessels and ensuring milk is cooled quickly and safely in all situations. This expertise reduces the risk of deteriorating quality and removes the need of manual intervention 24-hours a day.
When the main cooling system is out of action for either milk collection or cleaning, a range of buffer systems are available to ensure milking capacity is not compromised. When the main tank becomes available to receive milk from the milking stations the Fullwood Buffer Tank system automatically transfers the milk into the main storage vessel and commences an automatic cleaning process to ensure hygienic conditions are maintained.
Buffer Tank Capacities available - 150, 250, 350 & 500 litres. Works in tandem with existing or new milk tanks. Forms part of a fully automatic system.
The Soft Start Cooling system (SSC) has been designed to safely and efficiently cool small volumes of milk quickly, but without the risk of the milk being frozen. The system is available in the complete range of Packo Direct eXpansion (DX) milk cooling tanks and cooling units. The new system adjusts the tank‘s cooling power according to the current milk temperature and the volume of milk in the tank. For more information follow this link