Abstract: Apparatus for use in the machine milking of animals including a chamber wh is connectable to the teat cups of a milking machine. A sensing arrangement associated with the chamber permits the volume of milk within the chamber to be sensed and control equipment is coupled with the sensing arrangement so as to be operable in response to a determined volume of milk within the chamber being sensed. A valve is operable in response to the control equipment. Accordingly, the apparatus can be connected to a milk transport system to enable milk to pass from the chamber through the valve and into the milk transport system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring milk yield from an animal which has been machine milked using milking machinery in which a valve is operative to extract milk, with minimal entrained air from the milking claw at a substantially constant pressure differential across the seat of the valve. The apparatus includes a detection and timing mechanism in which in use of the apparatus deects the periods during which the valve is open and records the total time during milking of the animal. The apparatus further includes a mechanism which translate the total time the valve is open into a measurement which indicates the yield of milk from the animal.