In an automatic milking system the teats can be detected by a laser and
vision camera. As an example, the teats can be cleaned separately by
means of a teat-cup-like device, Figure 1.10, using tepid water applied
intermittently at a certain pressure and turbulence to ensure efficient
cleaning. Drying of the teats is carried out by compressed air in the same
teat-cup.
Foremilking is carried out by the cleaning teat-cup, which applies
vacuum at the end of the cleaning cycle. The cleaning teat-cups are finally
flushed with water.
Sensors can detect whether foremilking has been carried out.
Foremilking is applied for a few seconds to ensure that sufficient milk is
evacuated and the let-down reflex is activated.
The teat-cups for milking are automatically attached sequentially. Milk
from the four teats is kept separate until the milk meter records the amount
from each quarter. Spraying each individual teat with disinfectant is the final
stage of milking.
Milk yield, milking duration, milk flow rate, and certain characteristics of
the milk are recorded during milking. In addition, data on cow movements,
time of milking and time of concentrate feeding may also be available.
Milk leaving the milking station can be divided into different categories
and being collected separately from the normal milk. The categories can be:
1 Treated cow
2 Freshly calved cow (colostrum)
3 Cow with less than one milking in the last 24 hours
4 A cow which, although healthy, has cell counts above a certain level
The fresh milk is forwarded to a buffer tank for cooling before being
pumped to the storage tank.