A method for sampling milk in a milking machine includes the steps of attaching teat cups to teats of an animal and starting to milk said teats; receiving a first amount of milk in a milk receiver while keeping an outlet valve device open; closing the outlet valve device; continuing the receiving of milk in the milk receiver; agitating the milk in the milk receiver using an agitation device of a milk sampling arrangement; taking a regular milk sample from the milk in an outlet portion of the milk receiver using a milk sample device of the milk sampling arrangement; and opening the outlet valve device so that the milk can be transferred to a milk tank.

A docking device, for a milking parlor with a rotary platform and a plurality of milking stalls, includes a first docking unit with a part of a first milk line connected to the platform and a second docking unit with a part of a second milk line separately arranged from the platform. At least one of the docking units includes an adjusting mechanism allowing an adjustment of a position of said docking unit in relation to the other docking unit. At least one of the docking units is associated with a guiding surface configured to guide the other docking unit during the movement in order to reach the docking position in which a closed connection is provided between the outlet opening of the first docking unit and the inlet opening of the second docking unit.

A docking device, for a milking parlor with a rotary platform and a plurality of milking stalls, includes a first docking unit with a part of a first milk line connected to the platform and a second docking unit with a part of a second milk line separately arranged from the platform. At least one of the docking units includes an adjusting mechanism allowing an adjustment of a position of said docking unit in relation to the other docking unit. At least one of the docking units is associated with a guiding surface configured to guide the other docking unit during the movement in order to reach the docking position in which a closed connection is provided between the outlet opening of the first docking unit and the inlet opening of the second docking unit.

A milk meter operably coupled to a controller, the milk meter comprising an inlet, an outlet, an inner column coupled to an opening of the outlet. The milk meter further comprises a conductivity sensor comprising a first conductive strip positioned at a first portion of the milk meter and a second conductive strip positioned substantially parallel to the first conductive strip wherein the conductivity sensor measures a change in resistance between the first and second conductive strips as fluid collects inside the milk meter before the fluid exits the milk meter through the outlet opening. The controller is operable to receive data about the fluid from the conductivity sensor and calculate a total quantity of fluid flow through the milk meter over a period of time.

A fluid measurement device and methods of manufacturing and using the same are disclosed. The fluid measurement device includes a conduit configured to transport a fluid, a conductivity sensor in the conduit, and a voltage sensor in the conduit and having first and second rings, probes, or plates. The conductivity sensor is configured to determine the conductivity of the fluid. The voltage sensor is configured to receive a first voltage on the first ring, probe, or plate and detect a capacitance or a second voltage on the second ring, probe, or plate. A value of the capacitance or second voltage corresponds to the amount of fluid in the voltage sensor. The total amount of fluid through the conduit may be determined from amount of fluid in the voltage sensor, the fluid flow rate, the fluid velocity, and the number of samples or the sampling rate.

A milking system includes one or more milking devices and a control unit. The system is provided with a plurality of milking cups, a first milk jar for receiving the milking, a first pumping device for pumping the milking, a second milk jar for receiving the milking from the first milk jar, a second pumping device for pumping at least a part of the milking, and at least one storage tank for storing at least a part of the milking. The second pumping device pumps the milking at a lower flow rate than that at which the first pumping device pumps the milking. As a result, the milk is for the most part moved with low mechanical load and little admixture with air which improves milk quality. In the case of a plurality of milking devices in the milking system, various milkings can be moved and treated separately.

At least one property of a complex liquid is determined utilizing first and second sensing devices for measuring a respective first and second physical parameter of the liquid and generating respective first and second measured data indicative thereof. A control unit connectable to the sensing devices is used for analyzing the first and second measured data and determining the at least one property of the complex liquid. The first measured data may be responsive to a relatively low-frequency electric or electromagnetic field induced in the liquid, and the second measured data may be a response of the liquid to a relatively high-frequency external electromagnetic field applied to it.

A control unit (240) and liquid container (135) of a milk analysis apparatus (120) having a first wireless communication device (210), for communication with a memory device (230) of a liquid container (135). The liquid container (135) is insertable into the milk analysis apparatus, via a second wireless communication device (220) in the liquid container. The control unit (240) is configured to obtain a signal associated with consumed liquid amount of the liquid container, during a liquid extraction session; and transmit information related to the consumed liquid amount via the first wireless communication device, for storage in the memory device of the liquid container.

The present invention discloses a free dome range (FDR) where dairy animals have a free access to their stall to concurrently eat and to be milked. The FDR comprises a plurality of stalls; at least one of said stalls is characterized by a front side and rear opposite side into which a dairy animal is at least temporarily accommodated, head fronting said front side; a plurality of main living areas (MLAs); at least one of said MLAs is in connection with at least one of said stalls by means a plurality of gates. The FDR further comprising a substantially horizontally positioned elevated rail system comprising a plurality of elevated rails, and a plurality of mobile milking units (MMUs), each of said MMUs is configured to transport on said elevated rail to a dairy animal at its stall, and milk the animal while it is eating.

A device suitable for attachment to a milking platform at a “milking position” has a strippings viewing area and a light source, which is operable to illuminate in a suitable manner the strippings viewing area to enhance the visibility to an operator of any mastitis symptoms in use and/or to illuminate the udder to facilitate inspection or treatment. The light source may also be operable to give continuous or intermittent colour signals to the operator and the device might also include an alpha-numeric area. The device might form part of a leg separator and/or sprayer and/or milk hose support. A milking platform with such a device is also claimed.