Robotic milking can be a game-changer for labor efficiency, but it doesn’t totally eliminate hands-on work—especially when it comes to fetching cows. Some cows adapt quickly, while others need more encouragement to visit the robot on their own, adding extra time and effort to your daily routine.
Trevor DeVries, professor and Canada research chair in the Department of Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph, recently spoke at the Professional Dairy Producers Business Conference in Madison, Wis., where he shared tips to keep cows motivated and reduce the number of fetch cows in robotic systems.
Here are four key takeaways to improve voluntary robot visits:
Keep an Eye out for Sick and Lame cows.
In an automated milking system, keeping cows voluntarily moving to the robots is part of the job. However, sick and lame cows often require extra attention, as they are less motivated to visit the robot on their own.
Lame cows, in particular, pose a significant challenge. Research shows that lame cows have more involuntary milkings and are 2.2 times more likely to need to be fetched compared to healthy cows. Additionally, cows with lameness issues tend to produce less milk. By identifying and addressing lameness early—whether through improved hoof care, comfortable housing, or effective treatment strategies—producers can help ensure cows stay mobile and make regular trips to the robot.
Similarly, sick cows tend to visit the robot less frequently, requiring more frequent fetching.
“A sick or lame cow isn’t going to eat or rest normally—she might rest too much or not enough. And in a robotic system, you see that play out,” DeVries says. “A cow with health issues is less likely to visit the robot voluntarily and more likely to need fetching.”
Catching problems early helps farmers step in before it affects milkings too much. Knowing that sick or lame cows might need extra attention makes it easier to stay ahead of issues and keep the robots running smoothly.
Understand Cow Behavior
Not every cow behaves the same, and that behavior plays a big role in how well they adapt to robotic milking. According to DeVries, a cow’s willingness to visit the robot voluntarily is influenced by a combination of factors—management, housing, genetics, and past experiences. Just like people, some cows are naturally more confident and explorative, while others are more cautious and hesitant.
“We’ve done several studies looking at what we call ‘cow personality,’” DeVries says. “Some cows are more active and curious, while others are shy or fearful. What we’ve found is that more active cows tend to visit the robot more frequently and have higher voluntary milkings, while more fearful cows may struggle.”
Fearful cows, for example, are more likely to kick off units, hesitate to enter the robot, or even miss out on feed if they’re too wary to put their heads down. These cows might need extra encouragement or strategic management to improve their robot performance. There’s also evidence suggesting that early life experiences, such as socialization and exposure to automated systems, can shape a cow’s adaptability later on.
“There’s some speculation that exposing calves to automation early—like automated feeders—could make them more comfortable with robots as adults,” DeVries adds. “It’s not fully proven yet, but it makes sense. The more they’re used to new technology early on, the easier they may adapt later.”
Genetics also plays a role. Studies have shown that traits like milking temperament can be passed down from mother to daughter. If a cow is difficult to manage in the robot, there’s a good chance her offspring might be the same way. Farmers who track cow behavior over generations might notice patterns that help them select for cows that perform better in robotic systems.
Consider Training
If you’re running robots, you’ve probably noticed that some cows take to the system like pros, while others hesitate, resist, or need constant fetching. That’s where training before their first milking can make a big difference. While it might seem like extra work, studies show that getting cows comfortable with the robot ahead of time leads to more voluntary visits, better behavior, and even higher milk production.
“Some farmers think, ‘Why train cows? The whole point of robots is to reduce labor. But what we’ve found is that a little training upfront makes life easier in the long run. If cows are less stressed and more willing to visit the robot, you spend less time fetching them and more time focusing on other tasks,” he notes.
While conducting training might sound like a tedious task, DeVries is a firm believer that getting cows comfortable with the system before their first milking leads to better results.
Don’t Overlook the Feedbunk
When it comes to robotic milking, feed management plays a bigger role than you might think. DeVries notes that cows who eat consistently are more likely to visit the robot on their own, reducing the need for fetching.
“The more often you get feed in front of cows, the more voluntary milkings we see,” he adds.
Frequent feed push-ups and keeping fresh feed available encourage cows to eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large, irregular ones. This steady intake supports rumen health, keeps cows active, and promotes more even milking patterns. Farms that prioritize feed quality and consistency—whether through automated feeding systems or frequent push-ups—tend to see better results.
“Cows should go to the bunk because they’re motivated, not just because feed was pushed up,” DeVries says. “Prioritizing forage quality and feeding consistency helps drive voluntary robot visits and reduces the need for fetching.”
Smart Farming Requires Smart Management
For DeVries, reducing fetch cows in robotic milking systems comes down to a combination of good management, understanding cow behavior, and keeping cows motivated. By paying close attention to sick or lame cows, recognizing how personality and past experiences shape robot visits, and ensuring fresh feed is always available, producers can encourage more voluntary milkings and cut down on the time it takes to fetch cows.
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