Apparatus and installation methods for sampling ports are disclosed. Sampling ports include a port housing and a lid assembly. The lid assembly is configured to sealably close against the port housing. Additionally, the lid assembly can be secured, such as with a lock, to the port housing. In one aspect, the port housing includes a sample mount arrangement configured to receive a sampling assembly. The sample mount arrangement defines a sampling channel and the port housing defines a sampling opening and a first securing mount. The lid assembly includes a latch arrangement and defines a second securing mount.

A cassette (130) configured to enable measurement of at least one biomarker value of a milk sample of an animal (100). The cassette (130) includes a tape distributing spool (131); a tape (170) with a plurality of dry sticks (180a, 180b, 180c), configured to indicate the biomarker value of the milk sample, and a top film (310) arranged to protect the dry sticks (180a, 180b, 180c) while rolled up on the tape distributing spool (131); a tape collecting spool (132), configured to collect used dry sticks (180a, 180b, 180c); and a top film reel (330), arranged to peel off and collect the top film (310) of the tape (170).

Apparatus and installation methods for sampling ports are disclosed. Sampling ports include a port housing and a lid assembly. The lid assembly is configured to sealably close against the port housing. Additionally, the lid assembly can be secured, such as with a lock, to the port housing. In one aspect, the port housing includes a sample mount arrangement configured to receive a sampling assembly. The sample mount arrangement defines a sampling channel and the port housing defines a sampling opening and a first securing mount. The lid assembly includes a latch arrangement and defines a second securing mount.

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 distribution unit for milk samples includes a flow passage, a valve controlled milk inlet port through which milk is delivered to the flow passage, a pump port through which a sampling pump communicates with the flow passage, and at least two valve controlled milk sampling outlet ports through which milk samples are delivered from the flow passage to a respective milk sample analyzing unit. The flow passage has a longitudinal extension between a first end and a second end, and the milk sampling outlet ports are connected to the flow passage in positions located between the connection position of the milk inlet port and the connection position of the pump port.

A method, and milking system, for managing a herd of dairy animals including N groups, wherein N2, and the method includes: A) determining a content of a substance in the milk for a group of dairy animals, and B) performing an animal-related operation for the group, based on the content of the determined substance.

A cassette (130) configured to enable measurement of at least one biomarker value of a milk sample of an animal (100). The cassette (130) includes a tape distributing spool (131); a tape (170) with a plurality of dry sticks (180a, 180b, 180c), configured to indicate the biomarker value of the milk sample, and a top film (310) arranged to protect the dry sticks (180a, 180b, 180c) while rolled up on the tape distributing spool (131); a tape collecting spool (132), configured to collect used dry sticks (180a, 180b, 180c); and a top film reel (330), arranged to peel off and collect the top film (310) of the tape (170).

A collection device includes a base housing member having at least one chamber. A cover housing member has at least one aperture therein, and the cover housing member is configured to cover the base housing member such that the at least one aperture is positioned in fluid communication with the at least one chamber. The cover housing member includes a cartridge holding interface configured to releasably engage with a cartridge that is configured to cover and receive a fluid from the at least one chamber via the at least one aperture.

A sampling device for taking a representative milk sample from a milking device. The milking device includes a milking means, a milk jar, a milk hose, a milk tank, a milk line, a milk pump for pumping the milk, a milk meter for determining the quantity of milk milked, and a control unit. The sampling device includes a sample line with an input connection to the milk jar, the milk pump or the milk line, an output to a sample collection receptacle, and a control device controllable by the control unit based on the quantity of milk determined by the milk meter in order to direct, during pumping, a sample quantity of milk through the sample line. The control unit knows how much milk must be pumped and can take precisely enough milk samples distributed over the pumping operation such that an accurate representative sample is obtained.

Apparatus and installation methods for sampling ports are disclosed. Sampling ports include a port housing and a lid assembly. The lid assembly is configured to sealably close against the port housing. Additionally, the lid assembly can be secured, such as with a lock, to the port housing. In one aspect, the port housing includes a sample mount arrangement configured to receive a sampling assembly. The sample mount arrangement defines a sampling channel and the port housing defines a sampling opening and a first securing mount. The lid assembly includes a latch arrangement and defines a second securing mount.