Giel van Nunen 'Milk production increased, and the somatic cell count was halved'

Dairy farmer Giel van Nunen has been working with a 30-point Fullwood rotary parlour (internal milker) for 5.5 years. Milk production increased, and the somatic cell count was halved.

Smooth, efficient milking with Streampulse technology

Giel van Nunen previously milked with a 2×7 herringbone parlour. Over five years ago, he installed a side-by-side Fullwood rotary milking system to milk a large number of cows on his own, in a short time. The rotary parlour, known as the Saturnus, saves a great deal of labour. “I used to spend two hours milking. Now I’m done in 50 minutes – all by myself. The high capacity of this system allows me to do the fieldwork and still spend more time with my family.”

Safe milking

Efficient and smooth milking were key in choosing this system, but safety also played an important role. “In the herringbone parlour, you had to be alert. Once I got kicked in the lip, and once a cow stepped on my hand. With the rotary system, I attach the clusters between the hind legs – it’s easier and safer. The cows stand calmly, and even heifers milk well.”

The Streampulse technology, compared to traditional systems, provides a longer milk column. This reduces vacuum levels during the rest phase, allowing the teat canal to relax and close properly. “I’m very happy with the parlour and the Streampulse milking system,” says Van Nunen.

Van Nunen has had excellent results with the Fullwood system. He achieved a significant increase in production and a much lower somatic cell count. His rolling average rose from 8,200 litres to 9,000 litres, and the SCC dropped from 160 to 80 – even reaching 40 at times. “It did rise slightly with the warmer weather,” he says. He uses ground wheat straw as bedding.

Van Nunen doesn’t use any extreme measures to maintain udder health. “I clean the udders with wipes before milking, and we dip in the parlour.”

Streampulse milking technology as a success factor

Van Nunen attributes much of the improved performance to the Streampulse system. “The cows are milked quickly and thoroughly. It works extremely well.”

The technology allows for a longer milk column and reduces vacuum pressure during rest, helping the teat end close properly. “I’m really pleased with both the parlour and the Streampulse technique.”

Fullwood’s milking parlour and technology contribute to a healthier herd. According to Van Nunen, the Saturnus system brings calm. “The cows step onto the rotary platform smoothly without having to turn immediately,” he explains.

He’s particularly proud that even an 18-year-old cow can still be milked with ease. “She’s calved 15 times and produced over 135,000 litres. It’s ideal for her to step straight onto the platform without turning.”

Peace in the barn

The rotary parlour is housed in a spacious milking area. “The building already existed. We made space for the parlour and a holding area – big enough for 150 cows. Previously, the cows waited between two buildings, which caused unrest. Now there’s visibly more calm, both in the holding area and on the platform,” says Van Nunen, who has an excellent overview of the cows during milking.

Grazing is very important to him. The cows are out for nine hours a day during grazing season. “We have 34 hectares around the farm and use it intensively. The drought in spring 2020 made grazing more difficult.”
Van Nunen believes that choosing the Fullwood Saturnus parlour perfectly matches his farm’s needs. “I absolutely don’t regret choosing this parlour.”