A training and practical center for milk production has been opened at the Kalinovo branch of the MazolovoGaz agricultural enterprise in the Vitebsk region.

SKhP "MazolovoGaz" is a modern agro-industrial complex, comprising numerous high-tech production facilities that ensure the stable operation of the branch and its further effective development. For example, the enterprise has a research and practical unit for breeding pedigree livestock and milk production, centers for product quality control in crop production, technical diagnostics, maintenance and storage of agricultural machinery, agronomic control and accounting, a feed production plant, and a seed processing and treatment line. The new educational and practical center for milk production is another stage in the implementation of UP "Vitebskoblgaz" strategy aimed at improving the technical level and competitiveness of the farm. It will allow for an increase in the cattle herd and gross milk production.

— The new premises of the robotic complex were built in 5 months. It is designed for 200 heads and is equipped with four latest-generation "Astronaut A5" robots. They allow milking cows without human intervention, which positively affects the quality and results of the process. They are characterized by quiet operation, increased productivity and reliability, and energy efficiency. They are also equipped with an improved milk quality control system, which not only measures color, temperature, conductivity, fat and protein ratio, but also can track milk yield by udder quarters, lactose level, — said Dmitry Karnilov, head of the milk production complex of UPTS "Kalinovo". — 10.2 million rubles were spent on the reconstruction of the educational and practical center for milk production and the purchase of equipment. Five new jobs for mechatronics engineers and livestock breeders have been created. Today, we get 32 liters of milk per head per day.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Nikolai Sherstnev, the Assistant to the President of Belarus — Inspector for the Vitebsk Region Anatoly Linevich, the leadership of district executive committees, agro-industrial associations, and UP "Vitebskoblgaz".

— Not every agricultural enterprise can afford the material and technical base that we saw at SPK "MazolovoGaz". However, farmers should understand that this is the future of our agriculture. We will reach this in 5-10 years with the right state policy, — said Nikolai Sherstnev. — Current managers of the agro-industrial complex should understand that if they produce only 3 thousand tons of milk per year per cow, then buying a robot is a waste of money. First, normal technologies should be implemented to reach the level of 5-6 thousand tons, and then think about building a modern farm and robotizing it. Action in this direction should be taken as quickly as possible, because only by increasing production volumes can additional finances be earned.

— There are currently 20 robots on the farm. Practice has shown that this is the best option for the dairy industry. No milking machine operator can take as good care of cows as this equipment, — emphasized the General Director of UP "Vitebskoblgaz" Petr Shershen. — If technologies, labor discipline, and order are observed, the result will not be long in coming, and the invested funds will pay off.

Photo by Eduard KAROLEVICH, "Vitebskiye Vesti".