Cow and calf together
Can the calf be together with the cow in a system with automatic milking? How does it affect milk yield and calf growth, health and fertility? In this research project, we study how calves can be integrated into such care systems.
Is it possible to keep dairy cows and their calves together in automatic milking systems? What are the effects on milk yield, calf growth, health and fertility? In this research project, we study how calves can be integrated into such systems.
In an on-going research project at SLU in Uppsala some cows in the dairy herd at the The Swedish Livestock Research Centre are kept together with their calves in the beginning of the lactation.
The aim of the project is to test if calves can be integrated in automatic milking systems (AMS). There is interest from farmers and consumers in keeping dairy calves with their dams but there is very little support from science on how to go about it.
Funding
The project is funded by the Swedish research council Formas, the foundation Seydlitz MP bolagen and Kjell & Märta Beijer foundation.