UCD Lyons Estate is selling off its Dairymaster 12-unit milking machine, as it upgrades its milking facilities in line with its herd expansion.Screen Shot 2015-02-23 at 10.46.28

Termonfeckin-based Taffe Auctions are handling the sale of the 12-unit fully automated Dairymaster milking parlour which is being taken out. The main parlour was installed in the late 1990s.

According to UCD Farm Manager Eddie Jordan the dairy farm is doubling cow numbers over the coming months.

The new facility will have capacity for 200 cows, and is part of a €2m plus investment supported by Dairymaster, Devenish Nutrition, Glanbia, Munster Cattle Breeding Group, Progressive Genetics and the Irish Holstein Friesian Breeders Association.

The herd will be comprised of spring calving and autumn calving groups and the emphasis will initially be on maximising the potential for milk production from grass, while also investigating the economic potential for concentrate supplementation at different milk price levels.

According to UCD, the research outputs from the new facility will be made available through publications, a dedicated website and open days on the farm. The facility will serve as an international showcase for the best in Irish dairy technology, it says.

The development will also provide new facilities for teaching students in Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine.

Lyons Research Farm consists of over 580 acres located near the village of Newcastle in Co Kildare. It is used for teaching and research field activities.

The public auction will take place on March 10, with five lots. Michael Taffe and Eddie Jordan both declined to give a guide price for the lots.

Lot 1 will be the 12-unit fully automated miking parlour with swing over arms, cluster removals, low level wash, diversion line and electronic milk feeders and meters. Screen Shot 2015-02-23 at 10.46.34