A milking parlor, a crucial component of dairy farms, plays a pivotal role in enhancing labor efficiency and ergonomic advantages. Denny Wisono from Dairi Alami Subang Global Milking Team shed light on the diverse types of milking parlors commonly utilized in dairy farming during an online seminar.
Among the various types, side-opening parlors (tandem), herringbone parlors, parallel parlors, rotary milking parlors, and parabone parlors were highlighted, each with distinct characteristics. While side-opening parlors are not commonly found in Indonesia, they involve cows placed side by side, facing each other and exiting sideways.
The herringbone parlor, one of the oldest and most common types globally, features cows positioned on two sides facing each other at an angle of up to 40°. Ideal for medium to large-scale farms, it stands out for its simplicity and efficiency.
The parallel parlor, similar to the herringbone type, positions cows in a contradictory manner. Widely used in Indonesia, it offers individual milking tools for each cow, enhancing effectiveness as cows can exit simultaneously after milking, unlike the herringbone parlor where they take turns.
Denny introduced the rotary milking parlor, a system more common in developed countries but adopted by only two companies in Indonesia. In this type, the cows rotate while the milker remains stationary, providing efficiency by milking large numbers in a short time. However, it demands constant monitoring of moving parts on the milking machine.
An uncommon yet noteworthy type is the parabone parlor, akin to the herringbone but suitable for smaller farms with limited space. With a capacity of around 10-20 cows on each side, it caters to farms that aren't overly expansive.
The choice of milking parlor type hinges on factors like farm scale, space, and efficiency preferences. Each type carries its own set of advantages, demonstrating the adaptability of dairy farming methods to diverse settings. As the dairy industry evolves, understanding and embracing these diverse milking parlor systems become paramount for optimizing productivity and animal welfare.
