Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for milking livestock, which apparatus has a milking box; a milking robot disposed close to or in the milking box; and a holder for receiving therein teat cups which during use are arranged on an animal for milking by the milking robot, and a holder for such an apparatus. The holder has a guard, a carriage with an engaging mechanism for engaging the teat cups and with a displacer for displacing the carriage between a first position, in which at least the teat cups are protected by the guard in the situation engaged by the carriage, and a second position, in which the teat cups are released for removal by the milking robot.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for milking livestock such as cows. A block-shaped frame is open on one side and has a front side and a rear side relative to respectively head and udder of livestock are provided for milking in the milking box. A movable entrance and/or exit gate is provided for selectively opening an entrance and/or exit in the open side of the frame. Teat cups are provided for milking the livestock with, for instance, a milking robot. Placing means are provided for positioning livestock for milking at a desired location with udders thereof at a predefined location. The placing means comprise a frame part on the rear side of the frame. The frame part is movable away from and toward the front side of the frame. The milking robot is adapted to orient itself to the udders in relation to the frame part.