A HERD of cows on a Taunton farm are now milking themselves – and no, it’s not an early April Fool.

The robotic milking system installed by James Read at Pyrland Farm also means the animals can choose when they are milked rather than being rounded up at specific times.

They are trained to enter a bay, where a transponder recognises individual data and a robotic arm senses where the teats are and attaches the milking cups.

On completion, the robotic arm then cleans the teats and cups and returns to its stall, leaving Mr Read with detailed data on milk yields, quality and signs of ill health.

The 180 cows at Pyrland Farm use the three purpose-built bays instead of the 30-year-old conventional milking parlour.

The passageways between the stalls are continuously traversed by a robot mobile barn cleaner, which keep the cows’ feet clean, while they even enjoy using a back scratcher.

Mr Read said: “A healthy cow is a happy cow.

“This equipment allows them to milk when they choose 24/7 and delivers around 10 litres each visit over three visits each day.

“They aren’t kept hanging round in collecting yards and aren’t stressed or stretched from holding too much milk.

“It’s a considerable investment but the evidence is that the cows live longer, milk yields increase, they lactate more often, fertility improves, the herd is easier to manage, the farm is a cleaner place and we reduce the risk of serious infections.”