Dairy Equipment
Energy-efficient dairy equipment increases milk production, saves money, and keeps cows healthier and barns safer.
Dairy farms are energy-intensive operations. Milking, moving the milk with pumps and motors, and cooling the milk all require a lot of electricity. Cows generate considerable heat, too, which must be removed in summer months to keep them comfortable. The benefits of energy-efficient lighting, ventilation, and milking technology include improvements in production, milk quality, cow health, and barn longevity. In addition, the cost savings help free up cash that can be reinvested on the farm.
Heat Recovery Units
Dairy farms can lower their hot-water expenses by up to 50% with heat recovery units. This technology works by taking waste heat from bulk tank compressors and using it to preheat water, which is then used to sanitize the parlor and milking equipment. A heat recovery unit can pay for itself in as little as one year. Farms can reduce their water-heating expenses even more by choosing an energy-efficient water heater.
- Reduce hot water expenses by up to 50%
- Can pay for itself in as little as one year
- Cost-effective choice for most farms with herds of at least 35 cows
Milk Cooling
Milk cooling accounts for more than 25% of a dairy farm’s expenses. Plate coolers (or well water heat exchangers) use cold well water to pre-cool milk, which lowers bacteria count, reduces the cooling demand on compressors, and yields drinking water for cows. Energy-efficient compressors are a cost-effective choice when you’re replacing old or broken units. For herds of 75 cows or more, variable speed milk transfer (VSMT) systems can be a good investment; they regulate the flow of milk to help plate coolers work even more efficiently.
- Reduce bacteria counts to improve milk quality
- Compressor equipment lasts longer with plate coolers and VSMT
- Efficient milk cooling lowers energy costs for dairy farms
Milking Technology
A pump motor is used to extract milk from cows by exerting vacuum pressure. Variable frequency drive (VFD) controllers allow the motor to run more efficiently by varying the speed to match what’s needed during each stage of milking. They also maintain the proper vacuum level—neither too high, which can irritate the cow and lead to bacteria growth, nor too low, which reduces production.
- A quieter milk room for cows and farm workers
- Happier, healthier, more productive cows
- Save 40–55% per year on pump-related energy expenses
Dairy Barn Ventilation
Ventilation accounts for up to 20% of a dairy farm’s energy use. As summers grow warmer and farms add more fans, choosing energy-efficient systems can reduce operating costs. Two types of ventilation are commonly found. Exhaust ventilation removes heat and moisture and brings in fresh air. Circulation ventilation moves air across the herd to increase comfort. This avoids heat stress in cows and keeps them producing milk at healthy levels.
- Avoid cow heat stress for optimal milk production
- Increase barn longevity by reducing moisture, combating rot
- A safer environment with better air quality for workers and cows