Abstract: A milking arrangement (1) and a method for milking are described comprising at least two milking positions (2), wherein each milking position (2) comprises teat cups (4) for milking an animal (3). The milking arrangement (1) is arranged to remove the teat cups (4) from animals when milking is finished and to remove the teat cups (4) from all animals (3) that are still being milked when all conditions in a set of conditions are fulfilled, wherein the set of conditions comprises the condition that the teat cups (4) have been removed from a predetermined number of animals (3) and that all animals (3) that are still being milked, in an earlier milking preceding the present milking, must have been milked until the milking was determined to be substantially finished.

Abstract: In order to carry out at least one procedure on an animal, in particular for milking an animal, a method and an apparatus, in which animals are successively led to a facility, are proposed. The animals are transferred to an exit region of the facility and stay there until a subsequent animal enters the vicinity of the exit region. The exit region is then opened and the subsequent animal can enter the exit region.

Abstract: A method and device for applying germicide solutions to a cattle teat or other item in a way that reduces the amount of waste that typically accompanies this process. The present invention provides a method for cleaning a teat which comprises the steps of dipping a teat into a quantity of a preselected germicidal solution so as to coat that teat, wiping excess material from that teat and collecting the removed excess material from the teat. The present invention also provides an improved germicide applicator for use in the invented method.

Abstract: A method for controlling the milking by a milking machine comprises the steps of: (i) providing (41) different milking schemes, each of which being distinguished by a set of milking parameters, such as milking vacuum, high pulse vacuum, low pulse vacuum, pulse rate, and pulse length; (ii) controlling (43) the milking machine for the milking of a milking animal so that each of the different milking schemes is applied for at least one milking of the milking animal; (iii) for each of the milkings, recording (45) milk yield and/or milking time of the milking of the animal; (iv) evaluating (51) each of the milking schemes for milking the animal based on the recorded milk yield and/or milking time; and (v) selecting (53) one of the milking schemes based on the evaluation, and controlling (53) the milking machine during subsequent milkings of the animal so that they are performed according to the selected milking scheme.

Abstract: A system and method for producing milk is disclosed in which animals present themselves for milking on a voluntary basis. The milk produced is handled and processed separately from milk and dairy products produced by conventional milking. Advantageous characteristics of the milk are retained and can be made available for the consumer. The production process may also be adapted to the voluntary milking facilities.

Abstract: In an automatic milking installation including a robot arm (2) with a gripper (3) for attaching teat cups (4) to the teats of an animal, e.g. a cow, to be milked, for applying a teat dip to the teats after milking different members, such as spray nozzles (5a, 5b), dipping cups (5c, 5d) and sponge or cloth rollers (5e), are provided for applying different teat dip compositions. Under the control of a computer, the robot arm collects the member (5) appropriate for supplying the selected composition and takes it to a position appropriate for application of that composition. The selection can e effected in dependence upon the teat skin condition, e.g. detected by a camera (15) and/or environmental conditions.

Abstract: A method of milking an animal, in which method a movable milking platform is used. The method comprises the following steps: setting the movable milking platform in motion, allowing an animal access to the milking platform, supplying a sort of feed to an animal on the milking platform, subsequently allowing the animal exit from the milking platform, and milking the animal on the milking platform during a milking period. The method further comprises the step of providing the animal a span of time on the milking platform in which the animal is not milked, the span of time having a magnitude that amounts to at least approximately half the milking period.

Abstract: A method of milking a dairy animal and cleaning at least a part of a milking implement for milking the dairy animal, the milking implement comprising: at least one teat cup; a foremilk storage volume that is designed to contain an amount of fluid; a connection between the at least one teat cup and the foremilk storage volume, wherein the at least one teat cup is attached to a teat of the dairy animal to be milked, foremilk is withdrawn and an amount of the withdrawn foremilk is collected in the foremilk storage volume and wherein the amount of foremilk is released in such a way that the foremilk is displaceable from the foremilk storage volume by means of a vacuum.

Abstract: A milking device and method for removing a teat cup from a teat of an animal are disclosed. The teat cup has a teat space for containing a teat and is connected via a milk tube to a vacuum source for generating a milking vacuum. A drawing-away device is provided for drawing the teat cup away from the animal only after a vacuum-lowering device has lowered the milking vacuum in the teat space below a threshold value. The level of vacuum may be measured by means of a vacuum sensor.

Abstract: Example embodiments related to a method of automatically milking animals, wherein the animals are allowed to move in area intended therefore. The area may include a resting area and a feeding area housing a milking station, whereby the animals are allowed to visit individually and which a selected group of the animals have to visit in order to move from the resting area to the feeding area. The method may establish a condition for low utilization of the milking station; and feed the animals by a feeding device when the condition for low utilization of the automatic milking machine is met to thereby entice animals in the resting area to move to the feeding area and to therewith present themselves at the milking station.

Abstract: A fluid-applying device for applying a fluid to a teat of a dairy animal. The fluid-applying device comprises a fluid detector for determining a fluid application pattern of the fluid on the teat of the dairy animal. The fluid detector comprises a computer loaded with comparing software for comparing the determined fluid application pattern with a previously stored reference criterion, for emitting a comparison signal which is indicative of the comparison result, and for determining the teat length, the tip of the teat, and the fluid application distance, measured from the tip of the teat, over which the fluid has been applied to the teat, and for emitting a fluid signal comprising data in relation to the determined fluid application distance. The reference criterion may be a threshold distance with which the determined fluid application distance is compared.

Abstract: A method of automatically milking animals, such as cows, which are allowed to move freely in an area (1) intended therefore and to visit individually a milking parlor (9) comprising a fully automatic milking machine or milking robot (14) and an animal identification system (20), comprises the steps of dynamically assigning a milking qualification parameter to each of the animals that are allowed to move freely in said area, the respective milking qualification parameter indicating the degree of suitability that the respective animal, to which the milking qualification parameter is assigned, shall be milked; dynamically ranking the animals in accordance with their respective milking qualification parameters; and milking an animal during a visit to the milking parlor only if said animal is identified as belonging to the X highest ranked animals, i.e. the X animals that are best suited to be milked from a milk production optimization viewpoint, X being a positive integer.

Abstract: Device for pneumatically milking a cow, comprising a number of milk extractors, each comprising a teat cup as well as milk line connected to the lower end of the teat cup, which line leads from the teat cup to a collection chamber for the milk from the teat cup, each milk extractor being provided with a supply for a cleansing medium, such as a disinfectant, to the teat cup, in particular to a teat present in the teat cup, the supply comprising a line having an end portion with discharge end, and each milk extractor being provided with means for closing off the passage of the milk extraction at or downstream of the discharge end of the line for cleansing medium, preferably at that level, when discharging the cleansing medium, the closing means comprising a reciprocating closing body that can be moved between a position leaving the passage of the milk extractor free and a position closing it off, the closing body being provided with a squirt line forming the end portion with discharge end of the line for supply

Abstract: A milking system for animals. In particular, the present invention relates to a milking system implantable within the teat of an animal which provides improved milking rapidity and decreased mastitis incidence.

Abstract: Device for pneumatically milking a cow, comprising a number of milk extractors, each comprising a teat cup as well as milk line connected to the lower end of the teat cup, which line leads from the teat cup to a collection chamber for the milk from the teat cup, each milk extractor being provided with a supply for a cleansing medium, such as a disinfectant, to the teat cup, in particular to a teat present in the teat cup, the supply comprising a line having an end portion with discharge end, and each milk extractor being provided with means for closing off the passage of the milk extraction at or downstream of the discharge end of the line for cleansing medium, preferably at that level, when discharging the cleansing medium, the closing means comprising a reciprocating closing body that can be moved between a position leaving the passage of the milk extractor free and a position closing it off, the closing body being provided with a squirt line forming the end portion with discharge end of the line for supply

Abstract: The invention relates to a milk conveyer device (100) for an animal. The milk conveyer device is to be implemented in a milking arrangement which comprises a milk storage reservoir (101) coupled to a milking attachment for attaching to an animal to be milked through a main milk conduit (103, 105). A sample element (109, 111) extracts milk, which is collected in a sample reservoir (115, 117). The sample reservoir (115,117) is connected to an analysis element (129) through an analysis conduit (123, 125). During the flow of the milk from the sample reservoir to the analysis element (129), the milk itself provides a cleaning effect. The flow is initially at a high flow rate and later at a reduced flow rate. A plurality of analysis conduits (123, 125) are connected to the analysis element (129), which comprises a selector unit (127), which couples milk from one of the analysis conduits (123, 125) to the analysis element (129).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for machine milking an animal, particularly a cow, according to which a stimulation phase precedes a main milking phase, whereby during the entire stimulation phase, essentially no milk is withdrawn, and the duration of the stimulation phase is determined according to the amount of expected cisteral milk and/or alveolar milk.

Abstract: A device for determining the teat positions of a dairy animal after milking. The device is provided with at least one position-measuring device for determining a position of a teat prior to the milking of the dairy animal and for emitting a position signal corresponding to the teat position. The position-measuring device generates individual teat position signals and a control unit determines on the basis of the teat position signals determined before the milking, planes of symmetry extending substantially parallel to the teats. The expected positions are calculated with respect to the planes of symmetry.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing a milk for mastitis wherein the milk sample is admixed with a detergent under condition that increase the viscosity of the milk sample; the increased viscosity mixture is subjected to a further procedure for further increasing its viscosity; and the further increased viscosity mixture is then tested for an attribute of somatic cells, such as DNA. This determination is then used to establish if the cow from whom the milk came has mastitis.

Abstract: A milking installation comprises a compressed air system with a compressed air line, a pneumatically controllable cylinder and a compressed air pump for supplying compressed air for the cylinder. The compressed air system comprises a dew point sensor for measuring the dew point of the compressed air and for emitting a dew point signal that is representative of the dew point. The milking installation may comprise or form part of a milking robot for automatically connecting teat cups to the teats of a dairy animal.

Abstract: A method of performing an animal related action on an animal by means of a robot arm is disclosed. The method includes carrying out measurements on the animal by means of a sensor for locating at least one animal part, generating, on the basis of the measurements, a list of data each corresponding to a possible animal part, comparing the data on the list with historical data regarding at least one animal part, assigning to each of the data on the list, on the basis of the comparison, a probability value for actual correspondence with at least one animal part, selecting as target position that possible target position that corresponds to the data on the list having the highest probability value and moving the robot arm to the target position which corresponds to the animal part found and performing there the animal related action.

Abstract: In a hog production plant the hogs are divided into a series of separate pens within the hog plant based generally on weight such that the lightest hogs closest to the initial weight are arranged in the first pen when the arrive and the heaviest hogs closest to the final market weight are arranged in the last pen. Each pen includes a sorting scale arranged to receive a hog therein and to weigh the hog for selection of one of two outlet paths leading to the next pen of the series or, in respect of the last pen, to a discharge location.

Abstract: A controller for monitoring and controlling an operating pulsator in a milking system is shown. The controller comprises a first sensor operatively connected to a designated pulsator for receiving a pulsating vacuum therefrom. The controller produces a first signal representing the pulsating vacuum level. A processor is operatively connected to the first sensor for receiving the first signal. The processor includes a comparator for comparing the first signal to a stored reference signal representing a predetermined vacuum range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for milking systems pulsators. The processor generates at least one control signal when the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is at a vacuum level outside of the predetermined vacuum range. A control circuit signals that the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is outside the range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for the milking system pulsators.

Abstract: A milk sampling apparatus for use with an automated milking system. The apparatus may include a cassette wherein milk sample collecting elements may be placed, and at least one filling member capable of being placed above a selected one of the milk sample collecting elements by a positioning system, and capable of bringing a milk sample, representatively taken from milk yielded during the milking of an animal by the automated milking system, in the selected one of the milk sample collecting elements. Further, the milk sampling apparatus may include an agitating device, such as a shaking table, for agitating the milk sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a milk conveyer device (100) for an animal. The milk conveyer device is to be implemented in a milking arrangement which comprises a milk storage reservoir (101) coupled to a milking attachment for attaching to an animal to be milked through a main milk conduit (103, 105). A sample element (109, 111) extracts milk, which is collected in a sample reservoir (115, 117). The sample reservoir (115,117) is connected to an analysis element (129) through an analysis conduit (123, 125). During the flow of the milk from the sample reservoir to the analysis element (129), the milk itself provides a cleaning effect. The flow is initially at a high flow rate and later at a reduced flow rate. A plurality of analysis conduits (123, 125) are connected to the analysis element (129), which comprises a selector unit (127), which couples milk from one of the analysis conduits (123, 125) to the analysis element (129).

Abstract: The invention refers to an arrangement and a method for milking of animals. The arrangement includes a number of milking stations (1). Each milking station includes a set of teatcups to be attached to the animal to be milked, a local milk-collecting unit, a local milk discharge conduit (10) and a local feeding member. At least a first main milk conduit (31) is arranged to connect each local milk discharge conduit (10) to a central milk-receiving unit (30) for the transport of milk from each milking station (1) to the central milk-receiving unit. Each local feeding member is arranged to feed the milk by pressure from the local milk-collecting unit to the central milk-connecting unit via the local milk discharge conduit (10) and the first main milk conduit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and a method for allowing performance of several separate treatment of a teat of an animal. The device includes a cup-shaped body (1) having a surface (2) defining an inner space (3), which is arranged to receive the teat of the animal. The device also includes a first delivery mechanism arranged to provide a first treatment by supplying a first medium (4) to the teat via at least a first passage having a plurality of openings (10, 18) to the inner space (3) and at least one additional delivery mechanism arranged to provide an additional medium (13, 26, 28) to the teat, via at least an additional passage having a plurality of openings (10,18) to the inner space(3). Thereby, the device provides at least two different treatments of the teats at different occasions.

Abstract: A device for milking animals is provided with at least two milking robots, each for automatically connecting at least one teat cup to a teat of an animal. Each milking robot is provided with a milking vacuum unit for generating a milking vacuum for milking an animal. The device is provided wit a common ring line and wit a controllable, central vacuum system for generating a vacuum with a first pressure on the common ring line. Each milking vacuum unit is connected to the ring line via a passage, a control device being provided for controlling the size of the passage.

Abstract: A method for automatically error notifying a user of a dairy farm, wherein milking animals, such as cows, are allowed to move freely in an area (1) intended therefore and to visit individually a milking animal station, such as e.g. a milking parlor (9) with a fully automatic milking machine (14), or a feeding station (33), said station comprising an animal identification system (20, 43), and a database of the animals, said method comprising the steps of receiving a pre-selection of a particular milking animal of the milking animals in the database; identifying each milking animal that visits the station; and notifying the user of the dairy farm of the animal in dependence on the pre-selected milking animal visiting the station. The method may be implemented by means of a computer software product loaded into a computer of an animal station or of a dairy farm system.

Abstract: For the determination of the occupancy of a milking stall by an animal, in particular a cow, in a rotary milking parlor with a plurality of milking stalls which are disposed on a rotatable milking platform, a process is proposed in which the identification of the animal only takes place after it has entered the milking stall in which it is supposed to be milked.

Abstract: A milking parlor has a holding gate and a parallel spaced individually loaded-occupied-unloaded milking stall with an operator pit located intermediate the holding gate and the milking stall. The operator pit can be recessed from the holding gate and the milking stall, wherein a bridge or a bridge cart selectively connects a holding gate to an unoccupied milking stall. A robotic or human operator can function from the operator pit to implement the milking process.

Abstract: A milking system may include a milking stall (1, 51), which an animal may visit to be milked automatically. The milking stall including an animal identifier (9, 53); a gate controller (7, 55) for opening an entry and exit gates (3, 5); a milking machine (11, 57), wherein the teat cups, during milking of a milking animal in the milking stall, are applied to the teats of the milking animal and are connected to vacuum (19, 63) such that milk can be drawn from the milking animal and be collected in the vessel; and a robot (13, 65) provided with a robot arm (21) and a gripper (23) for automatic application of the teat cups to the teats of the animal. The milking system may also include a master computer (75) adapted to hold a database (77) of milking animals capable of visiting the milking stall, to receive an identification of a milking animal from the animal identifier, and adapted to control the gate controller, the milking machine, and the robot depending on the received identification.

Abstract: A method for milking animals, particularly domesticated dairy animals, and most particularly dairy cattle, that improves milk/food sanitation, labor and cost efficiency, environmental friendliness, and throughput, that uses a wet prep and minimizes both interactions with the animal being milked and delays between steps during which recontamination of teats can happen. The best method comprises the steps of preparing the milker's hands, priming the animal's teats, attaching a feeder tube to a milking machine to each teat, and completing the milking. (Therefore through the method we sanitize the milker's hands, cows teats and feeder tube all in one step.) By preparing the milker rather than the udder and teats, the method eliminates steps and delays, and reduces chances for infection, material usages, and complexity, that were extant in the prior art.

Abstract: A milking parlor for presenting an animal to be milked rearwardly loads the animal into a milking stall through an ingress/egress gate and forwardly unloads the animal from the milking stall through the same ingress/egress gate to pass along a unique exit path to a released area.

Abstract: A vehicle for automatically milking dairy farm animals which carries a milk reservoir having milk lines which connect to a set of teat cups that are automatically connected to animals' teats by a milking robot. The vehicle is supported from the underlying surface by wheels, caterpillar tracks, or an air cushion, and includes navigational equipment which controls the vehicle so that it positions itself under the animals' teats whereupon the teat cups automatically placed on the relevant animals' teats one by one or in pairs. The vehicle also has its own propulsion power source. The vehicle including all its components is movable and displaceable as a whole. A gripping mechanism for connecting the vehicle to an animal may be included. In a variation, a central station carries a milk reservoir and a plurality of satellite milking units as described above seek out and milk the dairy farm animals.

Abstract: A milk metering apparatus having a metering chamber 7 which is repeatedly filled and emptied many times in the course of milking an animal is provided with a probe 15 which extends down into the metering chamber 7 and which includes a sampling tube as well as conductivity and light absorption sensors. Milk samples can be taken and conductivity and light absorption measurements can be made during each filling and emptying cycle so that data from the sample analysis and the measurements over the whole period of milking can be compared with corresponding data from previous milkings of the same animal thereby providing valuable information for herd management purposes.

Abstract: Method of somatic cell count in milk from animals, and an apparatus therefore enabling individual somatic cell count for milk from each teat, i.e. udder quarter, by connecting a teatcup to a first teat, taking a sample of the total milk for the first teat when the flow of milk from the first teat exceeds a predefined value, connecting a the to at least one further teat, taking a sample of the total milk for said first and at least one further teat when the flow of milk from the first and further teats exceeds a predefined value, and calculating the estimated somatic cell count (SCC2, SCC3, SCC4) for the milk from the further teats.

Abstract: A device for expressing milk from one or more breasts has at least one, and preferably two expressors and a pump. The expressors each have a cup for fitting on the breasts and a cup outlet to which a vacuum created by the pump can be connected. In use, the vacuum expresses the milk from the breast. The device has a vacuum adjustment and a vacuum release on each expressor. In this manner, the vacuum can be individually adjusted and released at the expressors. The pump includes a movable diaphragm in a chamber. The diaphragm is oscillated back and forth by a linear actuator motor such as a stepper motor. The motor has a shaft which moves back and forth axially, for direct linkage to the diaphragm, so that the size and weight of the pump are reduced. The expressors have a removable cap and removable cup assembly, and the cup assembly has a positively sealed liner, for easy disassembly and cleaning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for milking milk residues to achieve the extraction of as much of the milk as possible that is preset in the udder. According to the method, a rubber teat element (10) in a teat cup (1) is displaced in a milking motion by a negative suction pressure caused by adjustable pulse phases consisting of alternating suction and pause phases and of a pulse intensity, in order to a volumetric flow of milk. The volumetric flow is continuously recorded and if it decreases, the motion of the rubber teat element is modified in a targeted manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for milking an animal, in particular a cow, that uses a stress measuring device for determining the animal's degree of stress and to supply stress measurement data to a memory that stores the stress measurement data. Stress measurement data are obtained before, during and preferably after milking. The stress measuring device comprises at least one instrument selected from a group consisting of an infrared meter for measuring the animal's infrared image, a hygrometer for determining the humidity of the animal's fur or nose, and iris scanner for determining the animal's eye characteristics, and an odor meter for determining the animal's breath or body odor, a muscular tension measuring instrument for determining the animal's muscular tension, an excrement analyzing instrument for determining the characteristics of the animal's excrement, and a muscle vibration meter for determining the animal's muscle vibrations.

Abstract: A milking and applicator teat cup is configured to receive an animal teat within a liner located in a shell. At the openings of the liner and shell where the teat is received, there is an applicator configured to dispense disinfectant, conditioning, and/or cleaning solution to the animal teat. The applicator is designed to discharge the solution horizontally across the openings of the liner and the shell. Such a teat cup can be integrated into a milking system having a valve manifold coupled to a number of teat cups and controlling flow of milk from the number of teat cups and flow of fluid to the applicators, and a controller including logic configured to provide control signals to the valve manifold. The controller signals the valve manifold to pre-charge a hose or line delivering fluid to the applicator and signals the valve manifold for the end of milking and begin delivery of the fluid from the applicator.

Abstract: A device for automatically milking an animal, which device is provided with a milking robot, a computer for controlling the operation of the device, a measuring device for performing measurements on milk obtained from an animal, at least two teat cups, and a common milk line for discharging milk coming from the at least two teat cups, each teat cup being connected via a teat cup line to the common milk line. The device is provided with a milk-determining element for determining the teat cup from which comes the milk present in the common milk line and for emitting a determination signal. The measuring device comprises a common sensor for performing measurements on milk obtained from an animal and for emitting a measurement signal. The common sensor is disposed in the common milk line. The computer is suitable for combining the measurement signal and the determination signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of milking animals which uses an implement having a moveable floor on which the animals are milked in milking spaces. The animals enter and exit the floor via automatic gates. The invention involves automatic adjustment of the speed to the moveable floor first, on an estimated milking time of the animals presently in a milk flow mode, i.e. attached to a milking unit and second whether milking units have been attached to the animals before leaving an attachment zone, where the milking units are attached to the animals, either manually or automatically by a robot. The speed of the movable floor is primarily adjusted with the aim at optimizing the occupancy rate of the implement for milking animals with respect to the first condition. The second condition places constraint on when a speed increase is permitted.

Abstract: The invention relates to the actuation of a carrying and withdrawing device for milking units, a process is proposed in which for the attachment of the milking unit a downwardly directed additional force acts on the counterweight during a primary milking phase no additional force acts on the counterweight, and, during at least one secondary milking phase, an upwardly directed additional force acts on the counterweight.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for examining at least a first animal, milked in a milking machine, comprising an identification device for identifying said animal, a storing device for storing said identification in a data base, a locating device for finding the position of the teats of said animal, a cleaning device for cleaning the teats of the animal, an applying device for applying teat cups to the teats of said animal, and a capturing device for capturing at least one image of at least a part of said animal. The image captured in relation to identification of the animal is stored in the data base, and the captured image is presented for a user through a viewing device coupled to the data base.

Abstract: A method of automatically milking animals, which are allowed to move in an area (3, 5, 6) intended therefore, the area including a resting area (5) and a feeding area (6) and housing a milking station (9), which the animals are allowed to visit individually and which a selected group of said animals have to visit in order to move from the resting area to the feeding area, comprises the steps of establishing a condition for low utilization of the milking station; and feeding the animals by means of a feeding device (38) when the condition for low utilization of said automatic milking machine is met to thereby entice animals in the resting area to move to the feeding area and to therewith present themselves at the milking station.

Abstract: A more effective method of automatically milking animals in an automatic milking facility is disclosed. The method includes (i) assigning a respective threshold value (t.v.) to each of the udder quarters (1st u.q.; 2nd u.q.; 3rd u.q.; 4th u.q.) of an animal to be milked indicating when the milking of the corresponding udder quarter is to be ended; (ii) measuring the milk flow from each udder quarter of animal during milking; and (iv) ending the milking of an udder quarter of the animal (end1; end2; end3; end4) in dependence on the measured milk flow from that udder quarter reaches the corresponding threshold value. The threshold value of the udder quarter (4th u.q.) of the animal, for which the ending of milking very last remains is raised (t.v.115%; t..V.inf; t.v.(t); t.v.

Abstract: A method of automatically milking a dairy animal, in particular a cow. The method comprises: a) the step of activating the teat cup for milking the teat; b) the step of measuring a milking parameter during milking the teat during step a) for obtaining a value of the milking parameter, and c) the step of deactivating the teat cup when a deactivation threshold has been reached. The deactivation threshold is determined at least partially with the aid of the value of the milking parameter. A device for automatically milking a dairy animal, in particular a cow. Said device is provided with means for activating the teat cup for milking a teat of the dairy animal, means comprising a milking parameter for measuring a milking parameter during milking the teat for obtaining a value of the milking parameter, means for deactivating the teat cup, and means for generating a threshold signal indicating that a deactivation threshold has been reached.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determination of suitable moment for insemination of lactating cows, which seeks the beginning of the sponttaneous lactation during the estrus and the cow is inseminated immediately after that. The milking of the cow right after the insemination is advisable.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for estimating the weight of horses. To estimate the weight of a horse, a girth, a length, and a height of the horse are measured. The measurements can be taken with commercially available measurement tapes, for example. The weight of the horse is then estimated based on the girth, the length and the height of the horse. The present invention will be utilized in the care and management of horses thereby resulting in advanced equine health and nutrition, better training results, and improved overall health monitoring.