At Milcotec, we continuously help dairy farmers optimize their milking systems. In September 2022, our installation team completed an individual cow identification upgrade in a 60-stall milking carousel for a progressive dairy farmer near Aabenraa.
In this article, our technician Martin explains how the system is installed and why individual cow identification creates real value in everyday milking operations.
What Is Individual Cow Identification in a Milking Carousel?
Individual cow identification means that each stall in the carousel is equipped with its own antenna plate, allowing every cow to be registered individually during milking.
The system identifies the cow directly at the stall, ensuring that milk yield and data are always linked to the correct animal. During installation, protective steel pipes are welded in place to route cables safely, keeping everything shielded from cows and mechanical wear.
The result is a robust, reliable solution designed for long-term operation in demanding barn environments.
Accurate Registration – Even If an Ear Tag Is Missing
One of the key advantages of individual cow identification is data reliability.
If a cow enters the carousel without an ear tag, the system still registers her correctly via the antenna at that specific stall. This means:
-
Only one cow is affected
-
The remaining 59 cows are not “shifted” in the data
-
The farmer receives highly accurate milk yield data per cow
This level of precision is especially important for herd management, performance tracking, and decision-making.
Faster Cow Entry and Shorter Milking Time
Individual cow identification doesn’t just improve data quality—it also improves cow flow.
Because cows are identified instantly when entering the carousel, the rotation speed can be increased slightly. This results in:
-
Shorter total milking time
-
Better utilization of carousel capacity
-
Lower operating costs per milking session
Ultimately, it’s about saving time, reducing stress, and improving overall efficiency in the milking routine.
Technical Setup: Antennas, Communication and PC Integration
The antennas are grouped together, with up to twelve antennas connected to a single junction box. From there, all data is sent to a communication unit and transferred directly to the PC in the office.
All cabling is enclosed in cable trays and steel piping, ensuring that cows cannot damage or interfere with the installation.
Inside the rotating carousel, Bluetooth communication is used. Since traditional cables cannot be installed in moving parts, Bluetooth ensures stable and reliable data transfer without mechanical strain.
Smart Cow Counting and Carousel Control
The system also includes an intelligent counting function. For example, the antenna can count cows and trigger a short pause after a set number—such as stopping the carousel for two seconds after every ten cows.
This allows fine-tuning of carousel flow and demonstrates how individual cow identification contributes not only to data accuracy, but also to operational optimization.
All Data Collected in One Central System
Once installation is complete, all communication, milk data and cow identification are managed through a central SPC unit that communicates directly with both the carousel and the PC system.
This gives the farmer:
-
Full overview of all cows
-
Reliable, individual milk data
-
A system that works smoothly every day
Conclusion: A Future-Proof Upgrade for Milking Carousels
Individual cow identification in a 60-stall milking carousel is a smart upgrade for dairy farmers who want:
-
More accurate milk and cow data
-
Faster milking and better flow
-
Fewer registration errors
-
Improved economic control
At Dairy Systems Denmark, we support the entire process—from planning and installation to long-term operation.
Considering individual cow identification for your milking carousel?
Contact us today for a non-binding consultation tailored to your farm.
👉 Visit www.milcotec.com
👉 Or speak directly with one of our specialists
