Abstract: A flow rate of milk during milking is measured to obtain a detection value (a second detection value) D.sub.N having a correlation with respect to the whole amount of milk during a fixed sampling period Ts at any time and a first detection value D.sub.N-1 having a correlation with respect to the whole amount of milk during the fixed sampling period Ts at a time earlier by a fixed time To than the time for the fixed sampling period Ts for the second detection value. A variation ratio C.sub.N of the second detection value D.sub.N to the first detection ratio D.sub.N-1 is calculated by using an equation of (second detection value D.sub.N)/(first detection value D.sub.N-1) and the variation ratios C.sub.N (C.sub.1. . . ) are monitored to detect the variation degree and the variation direction (increasing and decreasing direction) of the flow rate of milk so that the milking condition is monitored when a cow is milked by a milking machine.

Abstract: A device which measures the amount of milk which has been milked by a combination of a swinging member 2 and a tank 5; and a weight balance section, thereby enhancing accuracy in measurement as well as reducing in size the device. A measuring method for total milk amount by using the measuring device and by measuring the amount of milk which is filled in the tank 5 and the amount of milk which does not flow into the tank 5 at the time of discharging with the rotational cycles of the swinging member 2 to thereby achieve a higher precision.

Abstract: A milking machine tap assembly for connecting a teat cup unit with a vacuum pipe and a milk pipe extending within the vacuum pipe. A tap box unit is provided which has a housing with a window opening in its side wall, and two axially aligned connecting tubes at opposite ends of the housing to connect with confronting sections of the vacuum pipe. A tubular milk tap body within the housing has its ends arranged to connect with confronting sections of the milk pipe, the tap body also having a first port through its side wall to enable the teat cup unit to communicate with the milk pipe through the tap body. A tap frame is fixed to the housing over the window opening to position the first port. An air packing is mounted on the frame and cooperates therewith to form a second port which enables the teat cup unit to communicate with the vacuum pipe through the housing interior. A gate is slidably mounted to the frame for simultaneously closing the first and second ports.