DELAVAL has launched the P500 , a new parallel parlour that speeds up cow exit times by 56 percent . The patented design features independently controlled , suspended , non-overlapping sequence gates , which also lift during milking to minimise cow stress .

The P500 is the only parallel parlour in the dairy industry with three options to control cow flow . The design has no sequence gates in the floor and focusses on increasing cow comfort , yield , and safety . “ This design and process creates a quieter environment and a faster exit ,” explains DeLaval parlour specialist Gary Edwards . “ Data collected on our pilot farms shows that this parlour can speed up cow-exit cycle times by 56 percent ,” he adds .

The new DeLaval P500 parallel parlour speeds up exit times by 56 percent .

Importantly , the new parlour is able to achieve this increased efficiency whilst occupying a smaller footprint than other parlours with the same capacity . “ The P500 is 30 percent smaller than parlours with similar

The compact design of the new P500 has a 30 percent smaller footprint and only requires a ceiling height of eight feet .

capacities . This makes it a more attractive choice for both new farms and existing dairy units that want to improve their milking efficiencies using existing buildings ,” says Mr Edwards . The SynchroArc™ patented design also enables a more fluid flow with no obstructions . “ It is a faster design that also offers better indexing of mixed herds in a smaller area ,” he adds .

The P500 has no sequence gates in the floor and focusses on increasing cow comfort , yield , and safety .

The compact design of the P500 means the parlour can be installed in buildings with lower roofs . “ The ceiling height can be as low as eight feet which means this parlour can be accommodated in most farm buildings . This offers those looking to move into dairy an opportunity to utilise existing buildings rather than bear the cost of building new ones ,” explains Mr Edwards .

The development of the P500 has also focussed on greater automation . “ Our SynchroControl system enables farmers to configure multiple indexing management styles which can improve safety and comfort for cows whilst delivering a more efficient overall milking operation ,” says Mr Edwards .