The best robot cows combine four factors – milk production, milkability, milking speed and trips to the robot. Each of these factors can be measured, and the measurements can be combined to rank the best robot cows.

By pairing management practices with innovations in genomic testing, producers can stock their herds with the right animals that have the potential to be high producers of milk, fat and protein; have less risk for mastitis; require a reduced need for antibiotic use; produce more salable milk; and possess greater potential for improved herd profitability.

One hundred miles north of Los Angeles, almond trees bloom, the sun shines and a Holstein cow leisurely walks back to her dry lot pen after her second of three milkings. She’s a member of Vanden Berge Dairy’s herd of Holsteins and is a product of an impressive genetic strategy.

Every cow you create might not be right for your market. To withstand market ebbs and flows, you need to create cows that meet the needs of your operation.