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Fresh ice cream!
Yep, this is an automated milking machine. The dairy cows control the entire process at their leisure. When they want to get milked they line up for an available machine. If they are "due" for a milking (e.g. they are limited to the number of times that they can be milked in a 24-hour period) the machine attaches the milking apparatus -- using robot technology that is impressive to watch) and then when finished, the machine dispenses an edible treat to the cow. If the cow has been milked too recently, the machine doesn't attach the milking apparatus and doesn't give the cow a treat, just opens the door and the cow wanders out.
The most astonishing thing about this dairy is that the cows are content. There is NO MOOING at all. They are are either sleeping/chewing cuds on comfortable beds in the barn (air conditioned and heated) or out in the pasture. Robots are constantly on the move clearing cow manure and delivering fresh food to the cows.
Humans check on the animals through the use of iPADs that keep track of each animal and what's going on with them. If an animal needs some extra TLC or medication, one of the robots gently guides the cow to a private stall where a human checks on her.
This really is an impressive tour!
And, THERE IS FRESH ICE CREAM! VERY YUMMY.
Mark
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