The target of my thesis was to find out how to succeed in changeover to automatic milking and what kind of problems may occur during the process. The idea was to create a basic guide which could be used all-round in planning and in changeover to automatic milking.

Research was executed by getting to know four automatic milking farms. I tried to find out the problems in planning, in changeover and in operation. In addition, I tried to find out the actions which have been made to solve these problems. I also took part in one start-up of automatic milking and investigated its success. I also interviewed two equipment suppliers and one advisor in matters of changeover to automatic milking. In addition, I have utilized domestic and international literature of the branch.

Prerequisites how to succeed in changeover to automatic milking are sufficient orientation to automatic milking and a thorough planning. The farmer has to be interested in automatic milking and his or her expectations should be realistic. Prevention of the possible risks and solving the problems before they turn up should be emphasized already on the planning stage. The farmer’s mental and physical capability to work has to be taken care of during the whole process. Start-up and transition period should be prepared properly, paying attention to the welfare of animals as well as keepers.

The farmer should make contacts towards farmers who already have practiced automatic milking for long time and pursue to learn from their experiences. If possible, working on a farm with automatic milking helps to piece together farmers own conceptions of automatic milking. If the farmer hasn’t got experiences from automatic milking, this kind of opportunity is worthwhile to use. It is also worth to ask practical help to the start-up from experienced farmers.