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Following nature's example: GEA AutoDry optimally prepares cows for drying off

16 Nov 2022

At this year's EuroTier, GEA presented the new AutoDry function, which was awarded a gold medal by DLG. This acts on nature's model and optimally prepares cows for drying off and the subsequent dry period at the end of lactation with just one click in the herd management system. GEA AutoDry can reduce the use of antibiotics, promote animal welfare and reduce the workload on dairy farms. AutoDry will initially be available for farms with conventional milking systems from the first quarter of 2023.

Photo: The new herd management function GEA AutoDry follows nature's example and optimally prepares cows for drying off. (Picture: GEA)

The new herd management function GEA AutoDry follows nature's example and optimally prepares cows for drying off. (Picture: GEA)

Drying off cows with high milk yields carries some risks, essentially the increasing risk of mastitis, which must be treated with antibiotics. Conventional methods of preparing for dry off such as restrictive feeding, reduced number of milkings per day or abrupt dry-off can lead to problems. These include metabolic problems, an insufficient flushing effect in the udder – and thus higher germ pressure – as well as high intra-udder pressure. With AutoDry, GEA is now launching a new function that replaces all conventional measures and prepares the cows naturally and optimally for the dry period.

To use GEA AutoDry, all that needs to be done is to activate this function in the herd management system either on a cross-herd level or animal individually. AutoDry should be started for an animal about ten days before dry off. It then automatically initiates cluster removal after a certain target milk quantity is reached. Using a patented algorithm, the cluster is then removed earlier day after day, naturally reducing milk production. In this way, AutoDry stimulates the natural and gentle regression of the mammary gland, which has a positive effect on subsequent lactations.

Field studies conducted by the Thünen Institute, the University of Bonn and Wageningen University show that the health and well-being of the animals can be maintained by natural drying-off. "This new feature will initiate a rethink in dairy animal husbandry and revolutionize the procedure around dry-off," says Dr. Ute Müller from the Institute of Animal Science at the University of Bonn. She worked closely with GEA experts on the development of GEA AutoDry and was in charge of the associated research project, which was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The research showed that milk production in the udder could be significantly reduced at the end of lactation. AutoDry showed no negative effects on udder health and cow well-being.
In addition to cost savings, this type of drying-off is also less labor-intensive compared to common measures: Regrouping cows several times a day due to animal-specific energy-restrictive feeds or milking only once a day are then no longer necessary.

Please note that this is a global webpage. For more information on the availability of this product in your country please reach out to your local GEA dealer.

Contacte

Lilian Schmalenstroer

Teléfono: 49 211 91362090

Media Relations

GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft

Peter-Müller-Str. 12


40468

Düsseldorf


Germany

+49 211 9136-0

About GEA

GEA es uno de los mayores proveedores para la industria alimentaria y para muchos otros sectores de la industria. En 2019 generó unos ingresos consolidados de 4.900 millones de euros aproximadamente.

El grupo tecnológico internacional se especializa en maquinaria y plantas, además de tecnologías de procesos y componentes. GEA proporciona soluciones de energía sostenibles para procesos de producción sofisticados en distintos mercados de consumo, además de ofrecer una amplia gama de servicios. El grupo genera aproximadamente un 70 por ciento de sus ingresos del sector de alimentos y bebidas, un sector que disfruta de un crecimiento sostenible a largo plazo. A 31 de diciembre de 2018, la compañía contaba con unos 18.500 empleados en todo el mundo. GEA lidera el mercado y la tecnología en sus áreas de negocio. La compañía cotiza en el índice bursátil alemán MDAX (G1A, WKN 660 200), en el índice STOXX® Europe 600, y en los índices MSCI globales de sostenibilidad.
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