T he number of cows that go through a parlor in an hour can range from 50 to more than 100, Reinemann says. Cow preparation is the biggest single factor affecting parlor efficiency. O ther influences on parlor efficiency include operator quality, milking machine attachment and detachment, milk production per cow, number of milkings and the flow of animals in and out of the center. I n many places, the Midwest in particular, two milking centers are better than one, he reasons. Labor efficiency is always better with two, single-operator parlors than one, two operator's parlors.
Research indicates two parlors are more profitable over time than a single, larger parlor.
Environmental risks and regulations are often reduced when you compare two smaller dairies to one large dairy. Manure management and feeding systems are more manageable with smaller units. Herd health is more manageable. It's often easier to find good building sites for smaller dairies in Midwest environments. O nce you have worked through these basic issues Reinemann says it's time to look at parlor specifics.