Transportable prototypes for milking and dairy processing in wild or transhumant flocks

The aim of this research was the experimentation of a transportable integrated system for milking and dairy processing in wild or transhumant flocks. This system is made up of three elements: a module where a mechanical sheep and goat milking plant is installed; a module containing dairy machinery to transform the milk produced; and a lorry, type approved as an agricultural tractor, to transport, one at a time, the two modules following the transfers of the flock. The prototypes were designed following the introduction of the EEC 92/46 and 92/47 directives, which regulate milk production and dairy products. In fact, also the shepherds who rear flocks in the wild and operate in protected areas or those who practise transhumance must have suitable premises and equipment to keep selling milk, cheese and ricotta in accordance with consumer protection regulations. The system meets the requirements of the law and can operate without direct connection with the water, gas or electricity mains supply, in the open field near the flocks and with only one operator to manage it. The experimentation shows the functionality and suitability of the two prototypes for the production processes also in conditions where there are no infrastructures (water, roads, etc.) with optimal performances. The times taken to complete the milking operation and the dairy processing are comparable or shorter than those taken by the shepherds with the traditional methods. Moreover, the vehicle is able to transport a module off road in the predictable operative conditions.