Abstract:
A milk monitor with a sensor positioned near the milker unit to monitor milk conditions and adjust a variety of dairy facility operations in response to milk conditions. The milk monitor is programmable to provide flexibility, real-time adjustment of dairy operations, and trend analysis and control to optimize milk production and herd health.
Abstract:
A system for optimizing the production performance of a milk producing animal herd is provided. The system comprises milk sampling means, analytical means comprising separate means for analyzing compounds or parameters that in the presence of compounds indicative of the physiological or nutritional condition of the herd member, generates detectable signals, and means for directing a part of the milk sample to each separate analyzing means which is controlled by data for the physiological and nutritional state of a herd member such that the directing means is only activated at pre-selected points in time or at pre-selected time intervals in the production and or lactation cycles. Specific compounds are compounds indicative of mastitis, including beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase (NAGase) E.C. 3.2.1.52 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), protein balance, including milk urea nitrogen (MUN) and total protein, ketosis, including acetolactate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetone and lipids, fat and state in reproduction cycle, including a steroid or peptide hormone such as progesterone. Furthermore, the system comprises signal detection means for recording and processing the signals, means for data storage and data output means. Additionally there are provided methods for optimizing the production performance of a milk producing animal herd and an apparatus herefor.
Abstract:
A device for performing a treatment on a dairy animal, in particular a cow. The device is suitable for performing the treatment in various modes. The device is provided with a stress measuring device for determining the degree of stress of the animal and for issuing a control signal with a value depending on the stress measured. The mode of the treatment is selected with the aid of the control signal.
Abstract:
A construction for automatically milking animals comprises a milk box (1) with a milking robot (2), which is provided with teat cups and with means for connecting the teat cups to the teats of an animal to be milked. The teat cups are disposed on a carrier element (3) that is movable in three dimensions by means of at least three control cylinders (4), each of which having one end connected with the milk box (1). In this manner an accurate and reliable control is achieved.