Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
TURKISH JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL SCIENCE, cilt.12, sa.2, ss.285-296, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)
In this study, in order to determine how farms with robotic milking systems (RMS) are designed and managed in Turkey, approximately 72 farms using these systems were identified. There are three different brands of imported robotic milking systems sold in Turkey and an online survey was conducted with the farms where these brands are installed. The survey questions consisted of eight main topics: general farm and robotic milking system information, feeding, udder health, farm and robot hygiene, robot/cow management and milk production. The survey included a total of 65 questions and 39 farms participated in the survey by the end of August 2024. According to the research results, there are 109 robotic milking systems in total in the surveyed farms. It was observed that 46% of the farms had 1 robot, 26% had 2 robots, 18% had 3-4 robots and the remaining 10% had 5 or more robots. 74% of the farms adopted free cow traffic and 26% adopted compulsory traffic system. 67% of the farms stated that they started their activities without grouping cows and 54% directly with heifers. The rate of farms that discarded their animals after switching to the milking robot was 62%. The most common answers to the reasons for purchasing the robot system were; increasing milk production, minimum working hours, improving udder health and the opportunity to expand the herd without additional labor. 92% of the farms stated that the purchase of the robot largely met their expectations and they were very satisfied. All robot users surveyed stated that the addition of RMS has reduced stress levels for them and their cows, and that thanks to RMS they have more time for other administrative tasks on the farm and most importantly for themselves and their families.