Abstract: A milking machine (1) comprises at least one teatcup (2) having a teatcup liner (4) and a pulsation chamber (5), a first pressure source (14) for generating a first pressure, a second pressure source (9) for generating a sub-atmospheric second pressure, which is lower than the first pressure, and conduit means (12, 15, 13) for transmitting the first pressure and the second pressure, respectively to the pulsation chamber (5). A pulsator (11) is provided for alternately connecting the first pressure source (14) and the second pressure source (9) to the pulsation chamber (5).

Abstract: In a method of milking an animal by using a milking machine having at least one teat cup (4) with a liner (5) and a pulsation chamber (6), the milking machine is operated to pressurize the pulsation chamber, such that during each pulsation the liner opens and/or closes at a slower rate during the beginning and/or ending periods (I, III, IV) of the milking operation than during the main milk extracting period (II) of the milking operation.

Abstract: In a method of milking an animal, the conditions of the milking operation are substantially stable during a main milking phase and are unintentionally changed during a terminating milking phase. According to the invention, at least one unintentional change in the milking operation conditions during at least one initial milking operation is sensed, at least one milking parameter is registered in response to said sensed unintentional change, and each said registered parameter is utilized to change the milking conditions of one or more following milking operations for the same animal before each said sensed unintentional change is expected to occur.