Analisys of the electric energy requirements for a cow-buffalo farm

This study was carried out at a cow-buffalo farm without soil with a view to reducing energy consumption. Large enough for 250 head, the farm reduced the herd for health reasons during the course of the year of study. Thus, energy consumption regarding the herd as well as milk production went up; notwithstanding, the changes in management and company organisation kept it within the limits reported in literature: 1.1 – 1.5 kWh/head lactating and 0.15 – 0.24 kWh/l milk. A model was also set up to reconstruct load curves and the impact of farm electric motors or plants. Among these it should be noted that the lighting should be adjusted to consume less (impact: 23%). Analysing the load curves highlighted the simultaneous use of some of the main equipment which produced elevated consumption peaks, something easily regulated by better farm organisation.