Highlights from the Better Milking Advice Conference 2025
“Precision matters: how VaDia is changing the way we diagnose milking systems”
The Better Milking Advice Conference 2025 brought together 120 delegates from 21 countries, including milking advisors, veterinarians, and technicians, in Gdańsk, Poland, to showcase how VaDia and Milking Time Testing (MTT) are advancing dairy diagnostics, milking efficiency, and udder health.
Organized by BioControl, a Norwegian Agri-Tech company and manufacturer of VaDia, and co-organized by BIOFARMTECH, the conference offered a platform for knowledge exchange and best practices. VaDia, launched in 2012, is a diagnostic tool measuring vacuum levels and pulsation in milking systems, providing real-time data to identify equipment inefficiencies and udder health risks. The 2022 launch of VaDia 2 introduced a smaller, more robust, waterproof design with improved battery. While BioControl offers product support, proper use of the technology in the field requires expert training and interpretation. This conference aimed to bridge that gap by providing a platform for learning, sharing expertise, and discussing best practices. The scientific program was developed in close collaboration with a panel of VaDia experts, including Paweł Panasiuk (Poland) of BIOFARMTECH, Tom Greenham (UK) of Advance Milking, Hans Fatzer (Switzerland) of Melkberatung and Johan Grolleman (The Netherlands) of Melkwinning.
A pre-conference tour of historic Gdańsk helped building a collegial atmosphere. The conference opened with a welcome from Katrine Hånes Kirste from BioControl, followed by BioControl’s Signe Marie Jahren Viaud leading the day’s sessions. The opening session featured panel experts discussing practical VaDia applications. Tom Greenham stressed MTT’s value in providing dynamic data for optimal machine settings and liner choices. Paweł Panasiuk demonstrated how combining VaDia data with farm observations addresses issues like cow discomfort, claw detachment, and high cell counts, while exposing neglected equipment. Hans Fatzer shared hands-on MTT experience diagnosing milking system inefficiencies beyond visible issues. Johan Grolleman showcased improving parlour performance using VaDia’s test applications, including Pulsation Testing, Fall-off Test, and Milkflow Resistance Test. The data-driven decisions session focused on integrating VaDia data with farm records to identify milking machine causes of mastitis. Greenham emphasized the importance of correct statistical analysis for actionable recommendations. Professor Douglas J. Reinemann (USA) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison discussed mastitis risk assessment via VaDia, estimating overmilking and liner fit based on key teat health studies. A practical session highlighted VaDia 2’s enhanced features. Panasiuk demonstrated improved field usability, while Grolleman illustrated integration with Automatic Milking Systems (AMS), sharing best practices and addressing sensor calibration and liquid buildup. Milk hygiene and Cleaning in Place (CIP) were covered in the final session. Fatzer explained performing and monitoring CIP using the Slug Test with VaDia on various equipment brands, followed by Axel Elfgren (Sweden) from DeLaval presenting advanced CIP practices specific to their systems.
On day two, Panasiuk led sessions starting with industry presentations. Paul Peetz (USA) from Lely North America linked milking precision and animal welfare, illustrating VaDia’s role in Lely’s AMS. Jeroen Luiten (Netherlands) from GEA Farm Technologies called for stronger collaboration among farmers, advisors, and manufacturers to improve milking performance. Jean-Louis Poulet (France) from Institute d’Élevage highlighted MTT’s benefits for small ruminants, addressing unique challenges in sheep and goat milking. Research on liner fit and compression testing followed. Professor Alen Džidić (Croatia) from the University of Zagreb shared findings on liner shape and dimensions affecting teat penetration and efficiency. Dr. Michael Hubal (Germany) from LWK Niedersachsen presented on VaDia’s Liner Compression test, emphasizing its role in optimizing performance and udder health.
John Baines (UK), member of ISO Committee for Milking Machine Standards, gave the latest updates on ISO revisions and future inclusion of dynamic MTT, affirming VaDia’s further relevance in the industry. Two presentations on Flow-Responsive Milking (FRM) detailed VaDia’s use in DeLaval VMS robots. Ian Ohnstad (UK) from The Dairy Group explained MTT’s role in evaluating VMS with FRM, while Reinemann reflected on three decades of milking innovations making milking faster and gentler, much thanks to FRM. After lunch, Greenham revisited using VaDia data to detect udder health risks and milking issues, underscoring the importance of interpreting both broad trends and detailed graphs. Professor Alfonso Zecconi (Italy) from the University of Milan, with ARAL (Regional Breeders Association of Lombardy), presented AMS dynamic testing studies identifying mastitis risks. The final session featured Kaj Nyman (Finland) from Valio, a longtime VaDia user. Nyman highlighted decades of Nordic success in performing MTT, emphasizing its ongoing role in improving milking efficiency, udder health, and milk quality. He was also sharing future plans for AI-driven reports and enhanced training. The conference closed with Signe Marie Jahren Viaud outlining VaDia’s development vision, including software updates and practical improvements.
The Better Milking Advice Conference 2025 was a clear success, underscoring VaDia’s vital role in diagnosing milking system inefficiencies and udder health challenges. The event emphasized the power of industry collaboration to advance milking practices, with VaDia remaining an essential tool for delivering precise data that supports optimized systems and healthier cows.
