ROTARY SYSTEMS

Rotary (or rotating) dairy platforms are designed to reduce labour expenditure and time spent in the dairy.

A further benefit is the extra time available outside the dairy to do other work on the farm, as well as having more time for off-farm contacts and more time with the family.

For these reasons rotary dairies are popular with farm owners and staff.

The rotary is an economic option when wanting a more efficient dairy system to milk increasing herd numbers. It is the next step when herds are combined and cow numbers  become too big for an existing herringbone dairy or a legacy rotary from 20 years ago.  A well-designed rotary can also 'future proof' for further herd increases.

Saving costs and time

Recent rotaries designed, manufactured and installed by Dairy Tech have allowed significant savings, for example:

• a 50-bail dairy milking 950 cows in a season-average of two hours with two operators in-dairy, plus a third person bringing cows in;

• an 80-bail rotary, installed 2004, milking a minimum of 600 cows in just one hour.

Dairy Tech presents a choice of:

• Internal Rotary

• External Rotary

• Replacement Rotary

• Rotary Dairy Buildings

• Rotary Yard Systems (see Yards link)

Internal Rotary

The Internal Rotary is when the milking operator is on inside of the rotating platform to put cups on and remove from udders. The cows face outwards and when finished milking can walk frontward off the platform in the direction of the dairy exit - as in a herringbone set-up.

Key benefits of the Internal Rotary are:

• all cup clusters visible to the operator;

• it can be operated by one person with automatic cup removers;

• cost per bail is less than an External Rotary because there is no need for a drench platform or stainless steel skirt around the platform perimeter.

External Rotary

The External Rotary is when the milking operators are on the outside of the rotating platform, one to put cups on and and a second person to remove the cup clusters. The cows face inwards and learn to step backwards out of the rotary bail after being milked.

Key benefits of the External Rotary are:

• allows for installation of meal bins and feeders;

• an easier system for training dairy staff.

The above designs can both be further streamlined by the inclusion of many options in automation.

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