DeLaval

At DeLaval’s global headquarters in Tumba, our collaboration with Sweden’s largest technical university – KTH Royal Institute of Technology – is yielding exciting results! Two standout examples are mechatronics students Omed Khirzia and Simon Ryberg, who are conducting groundbreaking research to enhance the robotic arm of our DeLaval VMS™ V300 milking machine. 🤖🥛 Omed and Simon's work focuses on harnessing neural networks, a form of artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance the control mechanisms of the robotic arm - a crucial component in the robotic milking process. The opportunity to work on a robotic arm wasn't something we wanted to miss," Omed says. "Robotics is a huge interest for all of us in mechatronics. We have some experience working with control theory, and with the boom of AI, there are new solutions to explore. So, using this with the robotic arm was an exciting task to focus on." Their journey with DeLaval began last year as part of a collaborative project with KTH. Simon says, "When the time came for us to do our master's thesis, DeLaval was an obvious choice. We've been well taken care of here, all of our colleagues are really helpful and always there to offer us guidance when we have doubts or concerns, and the ice cream machine is a great addition!" Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3VAHUXk #DeLaval #TeamBlue #WeLiveMilk #KTH #Engineering #robotics #innovation #dairy #roboticmilking

"The most modern dairy farm in Eastern Europe" In late June, the Agrokoncernas Group in Lithuania celebrated the start of the construction of “Ateities ūkis” – the farm of the future. This is a unique project for the region, creating a symbiosis between science, precision farming, and dairy farming. The farm has a history of mastering crop production but has decided to branch out into dairy farming as part of its strategic direction. Once it is finalised, the complex will house 4,000 milking cows with a total of 10,000 animals on the farm, including replacement. “We are happy and proud that DeLaval is the main supplier of the dairy and farm equipment,” says Jari Virrankoski, Vice President Market Area Eastern Europe. “It also brings a great deal of responsibility to make sure that the customer not only gets the latest technology but also the best support in farm planning, animal welfare, and efficiency.” The farm will be equipped with 100 bails DeLaval E500 milking rotary, Evanza milking clusters, DeLaval silo cooling 40 tonnes tanks, BA 200 sensors, DeLaval OptiDuo, automatic calf feeders and various equipment for better animal welfare such as DeLaval cooling fans, rubber mattresses, and DeLaval swinging cow brushes SCB. DeLaval Plus will be at the core of the whole system to reach their desired production efficiency through herd management and actionable insights. A performance plan contract is to be signed to ensure continued expert support from DeLaval to sustain the high production level the farm aims towards. “We are still in the early stages of the construction and we are determined to continue our great cooperation among the DeLaval teams to support our customer throughout this exciting journey. It will be the most modern dairy farm in Eastern Europe once it is done,” Jari concludes.

🐄🥛 Happy Cow Appreciation Day! 🥳 A big thank you for the milk that nourishes us and the marvelous creatures who provide it. 🌟 Video footage from our fabulous customer @monzafarm (Instagram). #DeLaval #WeLiveMilk #TeamBlue #CowAppreciationDay 🐄🥛

For cow appreciation day, we are introducing you to Nick DeLange, Service Technician/Installer, DL Direct Sales, Everson, USA, who says that his appreciation for cows began at an early age. "I have been with Delaval for 16 years. I am the Capital Projects Install Foreman for Delaval Dairy Service in Everson and Mt. Vernon, WA. I grew up in the dairy industry in California and moved to Washington State in 1990 when my parents started a dairy farm with two of my uncles. I worked on the farm while going to school. My favourite part of the farm was the animals. I showed cows for 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) during my middle school and high school years. In 2006, I married my wife, Tara. We started our family a few years later, and now have our daughter, Maddie, and son, Kasen. Both the kids are very involved with our local 4-H Club and Future Farmers of America (FFA). Maddie is working part-time for DeLaval’s customer, Edaleen Dairy. They currently have 20 DeLaval VMS™ V300 milking robots. Edaleen even allows our kids to show their animals at our local fair. In the picture is Peanut, one of Maddie’s show heifers. It is so rewarding for me to see my kids so involved with the dairy industry, just like I was and still am with my job at DeLaval. My son, Kasen, says he will be a DeLaval Service Technician when he grows up. At DeLaval, I'm grateful for the chance to blend my professional expertise with my lifelong passion for cows and to watch my kids grow up with the same passion. It's not just a job but a calling that allows me to live my dream every day. Here's to continuing our family's legacy in the dairy world with DeLaval by our side." #CowAppreciationDay #DeLaval #TeamBlue #WeLiveMilk

The DeLaval mini swinging brush MSB increases the social behaviour and cleanliness among calves. Studies about different enrichment devices indicate that the DeLaval mini swinging brush MSB has the most consistent use of all the options tested (the DeLaval mini swinging brush MSB, fixed brushes, cowhide filled with sawdust, and horizontal and vertical ropes). While calves’ interest in stationary options decreased over time, the MSB remained the most used during the research period. The research on the MSB also indicates that it positively affects the calves' social behaviours, they have longer rest periods, and they do more self-grooming than calves without access to an MSB. The calves using an MSB also have a higher cleanliness score. The MSB allows calves to enjoy the same daily grooming benefits as dairy cows do from the original DeLaval swinging cow brush SCB and is one piece of the puzzle for better animal welfare – one of our key focus areas to make sustainable food production possible. The studies were carried out in collaboration with a group of researchers led by Ana Strappini from Wageningen University & Research, who specialises in Animal Health and Welfare, and the DeLaval Scientific Committee. #Research #AnimalWelfare You can find more information here: https://bit.ly/3VPdtg6

🎉🐄 Guess who's turning 20? The DeLaval swinging cow brush SCB! 🎉🐄 For two decades our brush has allowed cows to get their relaxation on while getting groomed. Here's to the coolest brush in the barn! 🌟🎂 #DeLaval #TeamBlue #WeLiveMilk #AnimalWelfare #Sustainability #SCB

“Team spirit is something that truly encompasses the whole of DeLaval” Johanna Bausch began her journey at DeLaval in 2017 after having worked as a veterinarian specialised in dairy cows prior to that. “We did a lot of curative treatments, but I could also see many possibilities to improve the situation on dairy farms through advisory services,” she says. Today, Johanna is a Territory Sales Manager for DeLaval’s Aftermarket assortment. She manages the district sales team consisting of three District Sales Managers and the advisory team in the region that has three Dairy Advisors and one veterinarian. In addition, there is one position for a dealer development manager vacant. “Equally as important as my responsibilities regarding the operating business is the support of my team and how I can help them in their development.” The development of her team members and the team spirit have greatly impacted Johanna, who thinks these are the best experiences in DeLaval so far. “Leading a team is an ongoing process of learning, reflecting, and improving. To help other people grow in their personal and professional capabilities is a challenge, but also rewarding. Networking and the team spirit is something that truly encompasses the whole of DeLaval. There are so many people with expert knowledge in their fields who you learn from every day,” Johanna says. #PeopleOfDeLaval #WeLiveMilk Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/3VF05ec

A recent research collaboration study between DeLaval and Utrecht University shows the association between time-series milk β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) dynamics and early reproductive performance of dairy cows. β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is measured to identify if the cow is at risk of ketosis, a metabolic disorder that indicates that the cows’ feed rations need to be adjusted. Master thesis student Kelly Chin from Utrecht University and her supervisor team published new results based on her master thesis. Ilka Klaas, Chairman of the DeLaval Scientific Committee and co-author of the study says,”It is a great achievement for a master thesis student to publish results in an acknowledged peer-reviewed journal.” The study was conducted in 38 Dutch herds that monitor and manage reproductive and metabolic performance with the DeLaval Herd Navigator. This on-farm sensor system frequently measures milk progesterone (P4) for estrus detection and milk β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) to identify cows at risk of ketosis. The results from the study show that more than 50% of the monitored cows had elevated mBHB levels within the first 20 days after calving. This indicates that the cows experience negative energy balance leading with increased mobilization of body fat. Elevated mBHB levels in the first week after calving were associated with prolonged time intervals from calving to when the cycle resumes, prolonged time to first estrus, and prolonged time to the first insemination. “Our results show clearly that cows with increased levels of mBHB took longer to get ready to have another calf,” says Kelly Chin. Read the full study here: https://bit.ly/3RYUQ8v #Research

One of Sweden's leading universities, the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) Flemingsberg, has begun exploring avenues for collaboration with DeLaval. This collaboration has the potential to advance innovative technological solutions aimed at improving dairy farming practices while also nurturing the next generation of graduates through hands-on practical skills. Last month, DeLaval welcomed the Head of the Department for Production Engineering, along with professors and doctoral candidates, to our global headquarters in Tumba, Sweden. This occasion allowed DeLaval to showcase our technological product range and give attendees a tour of the VMS barn. For KTH, it provided an opportunity to discuss the university's varied programmes and departments. KTH Flemingsberg — located in one of northern Europe's pivotal hubs for technology and health — is dedicated to interdisciplinary advancements that integrate medical technology, data science, chemistry, and electrical engineering. These fields are essential in fulfilling DeLaval's mission to develop innovative solutions, such as robotic milking machines and AI-driven behavioural analysis systems, which aim to improve cow welfare, promote sustainability, and enhance productivity in dairy farming. This new collaboration builds upon DeLaval’s existing partnership with KTH’s Valhallavägen campus in Stockholm. Reflecting on its potential, Anders Cajander, KTH Head of Division of Health Informatics and Logistics, says: “A focus on health and sustainability is a natural part in both KTH's and DeLaval's DNA. I am convinced that this emerging collaboration could foster novel solutions in areas of joint interest such as data-driven health and innovative solutions related to embedded systems." Magnus Östvall, Software Manager, Platform Software at DeLaval, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting its potential to provide students with practical insights into real-world applications: “Collaborating with KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Flemingsberg benefits both organisations. KTH’s departments align well with DeLaval's product development, including MedTech, sensors, Cell Counters, and software systems. This collaboration also helps DeLaval identify potential future employees, bringing in new talent and fresh perspectives while staying at the forefront of research and innovation.” Peter Lindahl, a former KTH student now working as a Software Engineer at DeLaval, echos Magnus’ sentiments. He remarks, "These types of projects between students and industry are clearly beneficial for both parties. I have experience working with university students on projects and think it’s extremely beneficial for the students to see real world applications, as well for DeLaval to explore advancements in technology.” #DeLaval #KTH #KTHFlemingsberg #Technology #Engineering #AI #Roboticmilking #Medtech

Happy Midsummer greetings from the staff—and calves—at DeLaval's Hamra Farm in Tumba, Sweden. #DeLaval #TeamBlue #WeLiveMilk #HamraFarm