The University of Melbourne Dookie Campus Dairy

The University of Melbourne's Dookie Campus Dairy is an advanced facility featuring robotic milking machines, a milking shed, and automated feeding systems, accommodating up to 180 cows. Solar panels generate approximately 30 kilowatts of electricity, meeting about half of the robotic system's energy needs. A 250,000-litre rainwater tank supplies water for vat cleaning, and a closed-loop system recycles water through settling ponds. The 43 hectares of irrigated pastures utilize solar-powered moisture probes to optimize growth with minimal water usage. Research focuses on animal nutrition, welfare, behavior, and water efficiency.