The theme of this diploma paper is The technical aspects of robotic milking. This work has been written to provide an overview of the technologies used in robotic milking. In the first part there is a description of the general problems of cattle raising. In subsequent chapters of the work there is a technical description of the selected machine parts used during milking. The next part of this work is made of chapters which deal with the history of robotic milking, introduction of individual manufacturers and technologies used by these producers. Then, these technologies are evaluated in terms of the economic costs of their usage and their technical differences. In the conclusion, there are presented some novelties in the field of robotic milking , coming on the market in the next few years.

If we require higher yields from dairy cows, we have to provide them with good living conditions. It is necessary to know their natural behaviour and give them a chance to show it. One of the possibilities to make better living conditions to dairy cows seems to be an introduction of the automatic milking system to cowshed. The aim of this diploma thesis is to evaluate basic behaviour of dairy cows during all day in two cowsheds with automatic milking system, and to create a data file of dairy cows in two cowsheds with breeding of two different kinds of cattle - Czech Spotted cattle and Holstein dairy cows, and two different automatic milking systems ? Lely Astronaut and DeLaval. The results were evaluated by particular applicative statistics methods and the differences between the breeds and types of robots were compared. The thesis concerns three ethological observations in 2010 and 2011 which took place in Agricultural Cooperative Kluky near Písek, where Holstein dairy cows is bred and automatic milking system Lely Astronaut is used, and also three ethological observations in 2009 on a family farm in Chlumeček near Křemže, where Czech Spotted cattle is bred and automatic system DeLaval is used. The Holstein dairy cows spent feeding from 3,4 to 3,9 hours per day and Czech Spotted cattle spent feeding from 5,6 to 6,3 hours per day during all observation. In category standing were included: plain standing, standing with other activities (standing ? drinking, standing ? urinating, standing ? defecating, standing ? comfort behavior) and milking in robot. The Holstein dairy cows and Czech Spotted cattle spent standing from 5,6 to 6,3 hours per day. In the category of lying, significant differences were found. The Holstein dairy cows spent lying from 14,1 to 15 hours per day. The Czech Spotted cattle spent lying from 11,6 to 12 hours per day. Last observed category was moving. The Holstein dairy cows spent moving 0,4 hours per day and the Czech Spotted cattle spent moving from 0,9 to 1,1 hours per day. The quantity of milk of Holstein dairy cows per lactation was 6701 kg in average with quantity of protein 229,694 kg with content of 3,375%. The quantity of milk of Czech Spotted cattle was 4690 kg with quantity of protein 159,33 kg. The length of insemination interval of Holstein dairy cows was 71,35 days in average and service period was 159,97 days in average. The length of insemination interval of Czech Spotted cattle was 130,49 days in average and service period was 159,97 days in average. The data was processed with the help of Microsoft Excel and Statistica 10.

This thesis is focused on milking robots. In teoretic part I deal with biologics and etologics factors of milking technology. As well as I am interested in historics development of milking technologies. I introduce current technical request on milking too. Breefly I am introducing modern producents of automatic milking technology and economic question of using the automat. In practise part I evaluate data from working of the milking automat of branch LELY in mutual production relationship. Time period in research are one day and some parameters from more than one year. The subject of research are two farms involved in organics farming and one farm is involved in conventional farming.

The aim of the thesis was to assess objectively the exploitation of the functional capacity of milking machines in the system of free moving animals. There were data coming from seven agricultural companies analysed in the thesis. The data collection took place from January to November 2009. We were provided with the preliminary data by the individual farms taking part in a programme called T4C. The information on problematic dairy cows comes directly from their breeders. The average production of the dairy cows was the first assessed criterion. The highest production (28.79kg) was achieved by little private agricultural companies. The lowest production (25.22kg) was ascertained in middle-sized companies. As far as the breed of dairy cows is concerned, the Holstein dairy cows gave the highest possible amount of milk (40.43; 30.16 a 27.01 kg). The CRV Fleckvieh cattle dairy cows gave the lowest possible amount of milk (24.83; 21.04 a 22.74 kg). The assessment of the number of milking by means of the robotic milking system represents the next criterion. Little private agricultural companies showed the highest frequency of milking (140.88). Whereas the big agricultural companies showed the lowest frequency of milking (119.28). Mostly the Holstein dairy cows were milked by the robotic milking machines (130.34). On the other hand, the CRV Fleckvieh cattle dairy cows were milked least by the robotic milking machines by contrast (107.94). The middle-sized agricultural companies achieved the highest number of milking per dairy cow, per day (2.47). The little private agricultural companies proved the lowest number of milking per dairy cow (2.34). The mixed herds of the Holsteins and CRV Fleckviehs proved the rate of 2.47. The Holstein dairy cows showed the milking frequency 2.45 per day while the CRV Fleckvieh dairy cows 2.32. The dairy cows from the big agricultural companies went to be milked by the robotic milking machine most frequently from the point of view of willingness, what follows is that these dairy cows showed the highest number of refusals per one milking (2.19). The lowest values of this criterion were shown in little private agricultural companies (1.10). With reference to the breed, the values of this indicator proved the lowest number of refusals (1.85) whereas the CRV Fleckviehs showed the highest number of refusals (2.25). The exploitation of the time capacity has been proven as the most effective one - 78.61% in little private agricultural companies. Whereas the lowest time exploitation has been proven in big agricultural companies - 68.11%. As far as the cow breed is concerned, it was ascertained that the Holstein dairy cows were milked longest -73.21%. On the other hand the CRV Fleckviehs were milked shortest - 63.17%. The highest amount of the dairy cows that needed to by accompanied to the robotic milking machine was recorded in big agricultural companies - 20.1%. Remarkably lower number of problematic cows was ascertained in middle-sized agricultural companies - 9.7%. The number of problematic cows in little private agricultural companies proved to be similar to the number in middle-sized agricultural companies 9.3%. It was ascertained that the most problematic dairy cows came from the mixed herds - 18.7%. The CRV Fleckviehs were the least problematic - 8.8%.

The aim of thesis was to analyze quality indicators of raw bulk milk close to change of milking technology. Data were derived from pool samples. The quality indicators are: fat content, protein content, total bacterial count (TBC), somatic cell count (SCC), freezing point, solids-not-fat content, urea and casein content.

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o impacto da adoção do SOA em uma propriedade leiteira no Município de Castro - Paraná através da identificação e análise das atividades de valor que influenciam os “direcionadores de custos” de Porter (1989) e comparar com duas propriedades leiteiras de perfil semelhante, porém com o Sistema de Ordenha Convencional (SOC). A partir deste contexto, este trabalho busca avaliar como esta opção tecnológica sustenta o desenvolvimento das estratégias competitivas em propriedades leiteiras. Foi utilizado o método de estudo de caso, através de entrevistas semiestruturadas, consulta a dados secundários e observação direta. Analisando as atividades de valor em cada direcionador explorado na propriedade que adotou o SOA, foi possível estabelecer principalmente que: a) ocorreu redução da mão de obra via aumento percentual da sua produtividade; b) redução de gastos com tratamento veterinário do rebanho através de análise automática do leite pelo robô, no momento da ordenha, identificando animais com problemas sanitários e, c) aumentou a produtividade do rebanho através do aumento do número de ordenhas/vaca/dia. Em especial, a adoção do SOA na propriedade leiteira estudada impactou positivamente no controle dos custos, porém, existem fatores não econômicos responsáveis pela aceitação e satisfação na adoção deste sistema, como razões sociais (melhora da qualidade de vida dos funcionários e do proprietário através da liberdade de monitorar a ordenha à distância sempre que oportuno). Complementarmente, observou-se que propriedades com SOA em fase inicial chegam a níveis de produtividade da mão de obra semelhantes à de propriedades com SOC em alta escala. Portanto, à medida que a propriedade com SOA expande as unidades robóticas, a ponto de chegar próximo à escala de animais de propriedades com SOC, o índice de produtividade da mão de obra de propriedades com SOA torna-se superior. É possível concluir que a adoção do SOA causou alterações em algumas atividades de valor no período de adaptação e após este período. Comparando a propriedade com SOA frente as duas propriedades com SOC 1 e 2, observou-se diversas semelhanças nas atividades de valor de alguns direcionadores de custos, demonstrando que a decisão de optar por este sistema de ordenha vai além de questões econômicas e produtivas, mas também engloba questões sociais (qualidade de vida). / The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of AMS adopting in a dairy farm in the municipality of Castro - Paraná, through the identification and analysis of value activities that influence the "cost drivers" of Porter (1989) and compare with two dairy farms with similar profile, but with the Conventional Milking System (CMS). From this context, this study aims to assess how this technology option supports the development of competitive strategies in dairy farms. It was used the case study method, through semi-structured interviews, consultation with secondary data and direct observation. Analysing the value activities in each cost driver explored at the dairy farm that adopted AMS, It was possible established mainly that: a) there was a reduction of labour via percentage increase in productivity; b) reduced spending on veterinary care of the herd through automatic analysis of milk by the robot at the time of milking, identifying animals with health problems and, c) increased herd productivity through increasing the number of milking per cow per day. In particular, the adoption of AMS in dairy farm studied impacted positively on cost control. However, there are no-economic factors responsible for acceptance and satisfaction in the adoption of this system, as social reasons (improved the life quality of employees and owner through freedom to monitor the milking at distance, where appropriate). In addition, it was noted that dairy farms with AMS in the initial stage achieve to labour productivity levels similar to the dairy farms with CMS on a large scale. Therefore, as the property with AMS expands the robotic units, to the point to get near of the animal scale in dairy farms with CMS, the labour productivity index with AMS dairy farms become higher. It was concluded that the adoption of the AMS caused changes in some value activities in the adaptation period and thereafter. Comparing the dairy farm with AMS face the two dairy farms with CMS 1 and 2, there are some similarities in the value activities of some cost drivers, demonstrating that the decision to opt for this milking system goes beyond economic and production issues, but also includes social issues (quality of life).

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o impacto da adoção do SOA em uma propriedade leiteira no Município de Castro - Paraná através da identificação e análise das atividades de valor que influenciam os “direcionadores de custos” de Porter (1989) e comparar com duas propriedades leiteiras de perfil semelhante, porém com o Sistema de Ordenha Convencional (SOC). A partir deste contexto, este trabalho busca avaliar como esta opção tecnológica sustenta o desenvolvimento das estratégias competitivas em propriedades leiteiras. Foi utilizado o método de estudo de caso, através de entrevistas semiestruturadas, consulta a dados secundários e observação direta. Analisando as atividades de valor em cada direcionador explorado na propriedade que adotou o SOA, foi possível estabelecer principalmente que: a) ocorreu redução da mão de obra via aumento percentual da sua produtividade; b) redução de gastos com tratamento veterinário do rebanho através de análise automática do leite pelo robô, no momento da ordenha, identificando animais com problemas sanitários e, c) aumentou a produtividade do rebanho através do aumento do número de ordenhas/vaca/dia. Em especial, a adoção do SOA na propriedade leiteira estudada impactou positivamente no controle dos custos, porém, existem fatores não econômicos responsáveis pela aceitação e satisfação na adoção deste sistema, como razões sociais (melhora da qualidade de vida dos funcionários e do proprietário através da liberdade de monitorar a ordenha à distância sempre que oportuno). Complementarmente, observou-se que propriedades com SOA em fase inicial chegam a níveis de produtividade da mão de obra semelhantes à de propriedades com SOC em alta escala. Portanto, à medida que a propriedade com SOA expande as unidades robóticas, a ponto de chegar próximo à escala de animais de propriedades com SOC, o índice de produtividade da mão de obra de propriedades com SOA torna-se superior. É possível concluir que a adoção do SOA causou alterações em algumas atividades de valor no período de adaptação e após este período. Comparando a propriedade com SOA frente as duas propriedades com SOC 1 e 2, observou-se diversas semelhanças nas atividades de valor de alguns direcionadores de custos, demonstrando que a decisão de optar por este sistema de ordenha vai além de questões econômicas e produtivas, mas também engloba questões sociais (qualidade de vida). / The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of AMS adopting in a dairy farm in the municipality of Castro - Paraná, through the identification and analysis of value activities that influence the "cost drivers" of Porter (1989) and compare with two dairy farms with similar profile, but with the Conventional Milking System (CMS). From this context, this study aims to assess how this technology option supports the development of competitive strategies in dairy farms. It was used the case study method, through semi-structured interviews, consultation with secondary data and direct observation. Analysing the value activities in each cost driver explored at the dairy farm that adopted AMS, It was possible established mainly that: a) there was a reduction of labour via percentage increase in productivity; b) reduced spending on veterinary care of the herd through automatic analysis of milk by the robot at the time of milking, identifying animals with health problems and, c) increased herd productivity through increasing the number of milking per cow per day. In particular, the adoption of AMS in dairy farm studied impacted positively on cost control. However, there are no-economic factors responsible for acceptance and satisfaction in the adoption of this system, as social reasons (improved the life quality of employees and owner through freedom to monitor the milking at distance, where appropriate). In addition, it was noted that dairy farms with AMS in the initial stage achieve to labour productivity levels similar to the dairy farms with CMS on a large scale. Therefore, as the property with AMS expands the robotic units, to the point to get near of the animal scale in dairy farms with CMS, the labour productivity index with AMS dairy farms become higher. It was concluded that the adoption of the AMS caused changes in some value activities in the adaptation period and thereafter. Comparing the dairy farm with AMS face the two dairy farms with CMS 1 and 2, there are some similarities in the value activities of some cost drivers, demonstrating that the decision to opt for this milking system goes beyond economic and production issues, but also includes social issues (quality of life).

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o impacto da adoção do SOA em uma propriedade leiteira no Município de Castro - Paraná através da identificação e análise das atividades de valor que influenciam os “direcionadores de custos” de Porter (1989) e comparar com duas propriedades leiteiras de perfil semelhante, porém com o Sistema de Ordenha Convencional (SOC). A partir deste contexto, este trabalho busca avaliar como esta opção tecnológica sustenta o desenvolvimento das estratégias competitivas em propriedades leiteiras. Foi utilizado o método de estudo de caso, através de entrevistas semiestruturadas, consulta a dados secundários e observação direta. Analisando as atividades de valor em cada direcionador explorado na propriedade que adotou o SOA, foi possível estabelecer principalmente que: a) ocorreu redução da mão de obra via aumento percentual da sua produtividade; b) redução de gastos com tratamento veterinário do rebanho através de análise automática do leite pelo robô, no momento da ordenha, identificando animais com problemas sanitários e, c) aumentou a produtividade do rebanho através do aumento do número de ordenhas/vaca/dia. Em especial, a adoção do SOA na propriedade leiteira estudada impactou positivamente no controle dos custos, porém, existem fatores não econômicos responsáveis pela aceitação e satisfação na adoção deste sistema, como razões sociais (melhora da qualidade de vida dos funcionários e do proprietário através da liberdade de monitorar a ordenha à distância sempre que oportuno). Complementarmente, observou-se que propriedades com SOA em fase inicial chegam a níveis de produtividade da mão de obra semelhantes à de propriedades com SOC em alta escala. Portanto, à medida que a propriedade com SOA expande as unidades robóticas, a ponto de chegar próximo à escala de animais de propriedades com SOC, o índice de produtividade da mão de obra de propriedades com SOA torna-se superior. É possível concluir que a adoção do SOA causou alterações em algumas atividades de valor no período de adaptação e após este período. Comparando a propriedade com SOA frente as duas propriedades com SOC 1 e 2, observou-se diversas semelhanças nas atividades de valor de alguns direcionadores de custos, demonstrando que a decisão de optar por este sistema de ordenha vai além de questões econômicas e produtivas, mas também engloba questões sociais (qualidade de vida). / The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of AMS adopting in a dairy farm in the municipality of Castro - Paraná, through the identification and analysis of value activities that influence the "cost drivers" of Porter (1989) and compare with two dairy farms with similar profile, but with the Conventional Milking System (CMS). From this context, this study aims to assess how this technology option supports the development of competitive strategies in dairy farms. It was used the case study method, through semi-structured interviews, consultation with secondary data and direct observation. Analysing the value activities in each cost driver explored at the dairy farm that adopted AMS, It was possible established mainly that: a) there was a reduction of labour via percentage increase in productivity; b) reduced spending on veterinary care of the herd through automatic analysis of milk by the robot at the time of milking, identifying animals with health problems and, c) increased herd productivity through increasing the number of milking per cow per day. In particular, the adoption of AMS in dairy farm studied impacted positively on cost control. However, there are no-economic factors responsible for acceptance and satisfaction in the adoption of this system, as social reasons (improved the life quality of employees and owner through freedom to monitor the milking at distance, where appropriate). In addition, it was noted that dairy farms with AMS in the initial stage achieve to labour productivity levels similar to the dairy farms with CMS on a large scale. Therefore, as the property with AMS expands the robotic units, to the point to get near of the animal scale in dairy farms with CMS, the labour productivity index with AMS dairy farms become higher. It was concluded that the adoption of the AMS caused changes in some value activities in the adaptation period and thereafter. Comparing the dairy farm with AMS face the two dairy farms with CMS 1 and 2, there are some similarities in the value activities of some cost drivers, demonstrating that the decision to opt for this milking system goes beyond economic and production issues, but also includes social issues (quality of life).