Abstract: Apparatus (10) is shown for providing a flow of humidified air at a selected humidity level, and a method is disclosed of monitoring olfactory parameters of a sample gas or vapour to provide a “finger print” or profile of an odour. The flow of humidified air is used to set a level of humidity in a sensor chamber (36) which is the same as the level of humidity in a sample chamber (44) containing the sample of gas or vapour. The sample gas or vapour is then introduced into the sensor chamber (36), where an array of olfactory sensors record the odour profile, without a sudden change of humidity level when the sample gas or vapour is admitted. The flow of humidified air at a selected humidity level is obtained from a generator (10) having a controllable valve 14 for directing a clean dry air stream along either of two paths (17,18), one of which includes a humidifier 22.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for monitoring animal exhalation, to provide an indication of the condition of an animal is disclosed. Apparatus for collection and temporary or permanent storage of animal exhalation sample is disclosed, together with apparatus for conditioning a sample prior to analysis. A method of conditioning a sample prior to analysis is also disclosed. Use may be made of the above mentioned apparatus and method in the diagnosis of the condition of an animal. Conditions of interest include metabolic conditions of animals such as dairy cattle; these can be monitored by measuring analytes in the exhaled breath, emanations from the milk or both. Use may also be made of said apparatus and method in the detection of antibodies present in samples of blood, milk and mucus particulates in exhaled breath. It is preferred that the monitoring apparatus is portable.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is shown for providing a flow of humidified air at a selected humidity level, and a method is disclosed of monitoring olfactory parameters of a sample gas or vapor to provide a “finger print” or profile of an odor. The flow of humidified air is used to set a level of humidity in a sensor chamber (36) which is the same as the level of humidity in a sample chamber (44) containing the sample of gas or vapor. The sample gas or vapor is then introduced into the sensor chamber (36), where an array of olfactory sensors record the odor profile, without a sudden change of humidity level when the sample gas or vapor is admitted. The flow of humidified air at a selected humidity level is obtained from a generator (10) having a controllable valve 14 for directing a clean dry air stream along either of two paths (17, 18), one of which includes a humidifier 22.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for automatically collecting a sample of cow's breath. The apparatus comprises an inlet (5) in an animal stall, e.g. a cattle stall, which is connected to collecting or analysing apparatus. A sensor (16) is provided for sensing a flow of breath into the apparatus. A food incentive is automatically dispensed when the sensor is activated, thereby inducing the animal to provide a breath sample. A method for training an animal to use the apparatus is also described, comprising the distribution of food incentives in the locality of the apparatus at random time intervals, together with the gradual increasing of the length and/or strength of exhalation necessary to result in the dispensing of food incentive.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for monitoring animal exhalation, to provide an indication of the condition of an animal is disclosed. Apparatus for collection and temporary or permanent storage of animal exhalation sample is disclosed, together with apparatus for conditioning a sample prior to analysis. A method of conditioning a sample prior to analysis is also disclosed.Use may be made of the above mentioned apparatus and method in the diagnosis of the condition of an animal. Conditions of interest include metabolic conditions of animals such as dairy cattle; these can be monitored by measuring analytes in the exhaled breath, emanations from the milk or both. Use may also be made of said apparatus and method in the detection of antibodies present in samples of blood, milk and mucus particulates in exhaled breath. It is preferred that the monitoring apparatus is portable.

Abstract: An arrangement for the automatic application of milking apparatus to a milk animal including a milking apparatus store, a milking apparatus handling device including a milking apparatus carrier movable on the device and a teat sensor on the handling device together with at least one animal position sensor and a control unit responsive to the animal and teat sensors to operate the handling device, the arrangement being such that when an animal is sensed to be in milking position the control unit operates the handling device to take milking apparatus for a teat of the animal from the store in the carrier to a specific teat with the carrier moved to a sideways offset at a selected angle to the device and the teat sensor in range of the teat.

Abstract: An arrangement for the automatic application of milking apparatus to a milk animal including a milking apparatus store, a milking apparatus handling device including a milking apparatus carrier movable on the device and a teat sensor on the handling device together with at least one animal position sensor and a control unit responsive to the animal and teat sensors to operate the handling device, the arrangement being such that when an animal is sensed to be in milking position the control unit operates the handling device to take milking apparatus for a teat of the animal from the store in the carrier to a specific teat with the carrier moved to a sideways offset at a selected angle to the device and the teat sensor in range of the teat.

Abstract: A method for the examination of the condition of a ruminant animal including sampling odours from at least one part of the animal with an olfactory sensor thereby to identify specific aspects of the animal condition.

Abstract: A method of cleaning the teats of a milking animal including providing a cleaning arrangement having a teat receiving aperture, causing or permitting the arrangement to receive a teat and engage the teat locally and causing or permitting relative movement of the teat and cleaning arrangement, releasing from the teat surface unwanted material.

Abstract: A method of examining a milking animal presenting for milking including examining the animal with an optical (as herein defined) sensing device responsive to at least one characteristic significant in the acceptability of an animal for milking, assessing the response of the sensing device to determine the acceptability of the animal and controlling the continuance of the presentation of the animal in dependence on the determination.