Abstract: A method and apparatus for milking animals, particularly goats, wherein the animals are arranged side by side in two rows of milking compartments in a milking parlor. A robot arm construction is provided which is moved along the rear of the animals in the milking compartments of each row. Teat cups are provided behind each of the milking compartments which are retained in holders by a tension mechanism. A pair of rails are provided behind each row of milking compartments along which the robot arm constructions move supported via rollers which engage the rails. Each robot arm construction has an acquiring mechanism for grasping individually the teat cups and moving them forward and aft, pivoting them about a vertical pivot axis, and raising and lowering them.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ascertaining and measuring the quality of milk by analyzing reflected or absorbed colors or both with which the milk is irradiated. The milk is thus irradiated with three colors of light in wavelengths of red, green and blue and the intensity and color of the light reflected by the milk or absorbed thereby, or both, is measured. The light sources are periodically switched off whereby the receiving sensors measure the same red, green and blue wavelengths due to background sources to the extent that they are reflected or absorbed or both by the milk. This data is then compared with data with the light sources switched on to produce the net data which is relevant to the milk as it is being received from the animal being milked.