Seneca Dairy Systems: Moo-ving Ahead of the Competition with MODSIM

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Check out this fun-filled recorded webinar with Ken Mansfield from Seneca Dairy Systems to see how MODSIM helps design farm equipment faster and more efficiently.

Many thanks to everyone who joined the live webinar for the SOLIDWORKS® Cloud Simulation Champions Series on September 3, 2024. Please keep the feedback coming. It helps us provide webinars that are interesting and practical.

Now you can join us for this engaging recorded live webinar featuring Seneca Dairy Systems Mechanical Engineer Ken Mansfield. Ken will share his expertise in agricultural and dairy equipment design, focusing on how the adoption of SOLIDWORKS and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform (MODSIM) has minimized the need for extensive field testing. He’ll explore the various applications of these advanced design tools to create innovative temperature control systems, gate systems, and more that can provide a less stressful and healthier environment for dairy cows.

You will gain insights into the benefits Seneca Dairy Systems experienced by leveraging MODSIM, including improved visualization, enhanced data sharing, and streamlined collaboration.

Additionally, you will learn about the Seneca Moo-TIVATOR Crowd Gate, an innovative system designed to reduce stress and increase handler and cow safety by simplifying the process of moving herds into the milking parlor.


Delicate Task

 Seneca Dairy Systems builds several innovative agricultural equipment products. The Moo-TIVATOR Crowd Gate is just one interesting and fun example.

 The delicate task of effectively and humanely moving cattle through the milking process is challenging. Seneca Dairy Systems engineers and designers took this to heart and created the Moo‑TIVATOR Crowd Gate, an innovative solution that transforms the typical stressful cattle drive into a smooth, calm procession.

Traditional cattle driving methods often require farmhands to shove the cows and even use electrical shocks to get them to and away from the milking parlor, which stresses the cows and leads to decreased milk production and potential injuries. This negatively impacts the well-being of the cows and can also inflate operational costs with increased veterinary bills.

Humane Treatment of the Herd

The Seneca Moo-TIVATOR was designed to prioritize cow comfort. The system designers embraced technologies like SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE Simulation to create a stress-free environment for cows that ensures they are less distressed and more relaxed, hence easier to guide to the milking parlor. This approach not only benefits the cows but also enhances productivity and streamlines farm operations.

The Moo-TIVATOR is made from heavy-duty galvanized steel that can withstand the rigorous demands made on farm machinery. It operates on a smart logic system that intelligently guides the herd using minimal pressure, reducing the need for constant farmhand intervention. The gate dynamically reacts in real time to the movement of the herd and adjusts accordingly.

Safety Counts

One standout feature of the Moo-TIVATOR is its Advanced Smart Logic system that precisely controls the gate. As the herd fills the holding area, a single press of a button activates the gate. The gate then closes and slowly advances, pausing only when a cow touches it lightly, which provides a stress-free adjustment before moving again. This gentle nudge is far from the traditional brutal corralling method, making the Moo-TIVATOR not just innovative but also a humane alternative for cow crowd control.

In addition, the Moo-TIVATOR is designed to incorporate several safety features that protect cows even in the case of unforeseen issues like a downed cow. For example, a safety stop prevents the gate from exerting too much pressure on the herd. Also, the unique articulated gate sequence ensures that any movement of the gate maximizes space efficiency while minimizing herd stress, which is ideal for farms with limited space.

The Seneca Moo-TIVATOR is more than just a cow crowd gate. It is a testament to how leveraging innovative mechanical design and simulation tools can enhance animal welfare and operational efficiency in dairy farming. It proves that with the right tools, productivity and kindness can go hand in hand—a pivotal step forward in the humane and effective management of dairy herds.

Learn More

The Seneca Dairy Systems engineering team’s innovative approach in adopting SOLIDWORKS and cloud-based simulation tools from Dassault Systèmes has been one of the catalysts for creative product solutions. By leveraging SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE technologies, Seneca has emerged as a leader in innovation within the farm equipment industry.

Click here to learn how Seneca Dairy Systems optimized design and simulation by watching this SOLIDWORKS Cloud Simulation Champions recorded seminar.

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