Kieran McCullagh Open Day 16th April 2025

Kieran McCullugh: 4 months on the transition from a milking parlour to Robotic Milking: A Success Story

Kieran McCullugh, recently transitioned from a traditional milking parlour to a fully automated robotic milking system for his 180-cow herd. The shift has not only increased milk production but also improved cow comfort and streamlined farm operations, delivering impressive results in a short period.

Cows have embraced frequent milking

Since installing 3 Lely Astronaut A5 milking robots, Kieran’s cows have quickly adapted to the new routine. Data from the system shows that cows are now visiting the robots 3.3 times per day on average, having moved from twice-daily milking in a conventional parlour. This voluntary traffic allows cows to be milked when they feel ready, reducing udder pressure and allowing cow to hit their full potential.

Each cow is now producing an average of 35 kg/day, which is about 5kg more than on twice a day through the parlour. The overall herd is producing a consistent 6265 kg/day through the 3 robots

With a high milking speed of 3.1 kg/min it has allowed Kieran to 180 milkers on the robots and still maintain 12% free time. Free time is important at the early stages of a start up to make sure there is time for timid or younger animals to come forward.