WO2004061436A1 - Device and method for determining the physical condition of an animal - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (6) and a method for determining the physical condition of an animal. The inventive device comprises a reaction chamber device (45) for receiving a milk sample and a chemical reservoir (48) from which a light-amplified agent can be dispensed into the reaction chamber device. An optical detector device (51) measures the intensity emitted in the reaction chamber device (45) and a control device carries out the measurement. The device is designed in a manner so as to be adapted to determine on average at least one measuring result after one normal milking period. For this purpose, an amount of chemicals of a light-amplifying agent is introduced into a reaction chamber (45) and an amount of a milk sample is introduced into the reaction chamber and the light reaction is measured.

Description

 Device and method for determining the health status of an animal

The subject matter of the invention relates to a method and to a device for determining the health status, in particular of a milk-giving animal.

Although the present invention is described below with reference to use in a milking device and in a milking method, the use of the invention is not restricted to use in a milking installation. It is also possible to use a device according to the invention separately and to carry out the method according to the invention not only during milking. The invention can also be used to determine the health status of an animal on the basis of a milk sample.

Raw milk is an important food and an important raw material for the food industry. For the protection of the consumer and the technical processing ability, raw milk must meet both national and international quality requirements.

According to Section 3 of the Milk Ordinance (Federal Republic of Germany), raw milk must not have any abnormal sensory characteristics, so that, according to Appendix 3 of the Milk Ordinance, people who milk should milk the first milk jets separately from each teat and, by checking their appearance, check that the milk is in perfect condition convince every animal. The first - milk jets may not be placed on the market in accordance with Section 18 of the Milk Ordinance.

BESTATIGUNGSKOPIE Animals from which milk is obtained as food must not suffer from a recognizable inflammation of the udder according to Appendix 1 of the milk regulation. Corresponding legal regulations (RL92 / 46 EWG, Appendix A and RL89 / 362 EWG, Appendix Chapter III) also apply within the European Union.

Inflammation of the udder is the most expensive disease complex worldwide in regions with intensive milk production. After fertility problems, it is the most common reason for premature slaughter of dairy cows in industrialized countries. In addition to serious financial losses, the reduction in milk quality, the change in the technological value of milk and the impairment of food safety are also negative consequences, as is the reduced well-being of the sick animal, for example a cow.

Inflammation of the udder can occur both as clinical mastitis, i.e. with recognizable symptoms, and subclinically, without external symptoms. The former can be recognized by the milker in conventional milking processes, but only inadequate in automatic milking ("milking robot"). Subclinical mastitis is usually recognized very late, if at all, but also leads to considerable economic losses (underperformance) of the affected cows) and endangers the health of the entire herd through pathogen transmission.

Signs of clinical mastitis include the presence of flakes, consisting of tissue residues, fibrin, cell deutritus, blood coagula and mastitis pathogens in the milk of individual glandular complexes, udder quarters or udder halves and in the total milk of individual animals.

Macroscopically recognizable flakes can have a size of approx. 100 μm up to several millimeters. The accumulation of such flakes in correct milking fractions, preferably the first and first milks, can lead to a highly viscous secretion of several milliliters. Such flakes are quality-determining particles that determine the marketability of raw milk and, if necessary, exclude it.

In addition to flakes, pre- and initial milks can also contain particles that are not a sign of a recognizable inflammation of the udder, but come from the environment as foreign particles. Such particles can get into the milk owing to inadequate cleaning measures on the animal's udder. These can be, for example, hair, dust, faeces (particles), straw particles, sawdust and hay residues.

In conventional milking technology, in practice the milker differentiates between quality-determining particles and foreign particles by checking their appearance in general. possible without any noteworthy difficulties, since the particles inter alia mostly differ considerably in color, shape, size, structure and pattern.

In conventional milking, an experienced operator can check the health status for external signs of illness in an animal. The operator or the milker checks both the animal, the udder and the foremilk. Such an operator can detect changes in health status and take countermeasures so that a diseased animal becomes healthy again.

In practice, however, there is a risk that the visual inspection may be neglected or carried out incorrectly. The validity check is generally time consuming. Devices that enable the collection and detection of flakes are to be checked by the milker, which is also associated with a not inconsiderable amount of time. In the case of automatic milking processes, the appearance of the foremilk by the milker is not possible. The automatic technical devices which have become known up to now cannot come up to the test by an experienced milker.

In conventional milking technology, the short milk hoses usually open into a milk collecting piece, from where the milk is led in a long milk hose to the milking line or into a collecting vessel and finally collected, cooled and stored in a milk collecting tank. The milk is then processed in appropriate specialist companies.

In automatic milking processes, the short milk hoses and a piece of milk are usually missing, so that the milk of each functional milk gland is passed on separately in a milk hose and finally collected, cooled and stored in a milk collection tank.

In conventional and also in automatic milking processes, the milks of several animals milked in parallel mix in the milk line. All the milks of the animals in a herd go into the milk collection tank, so that the milk collected is referred to as herd collection milk. Now e.g. if the milk from animals suffering from mastitis is inadvertently milked into the collection container, the quality of the entire milk drops. This can result in considerable financial losses for the farmer. This is another reason why early detection of sick animals is advantageous.

The milk from animals with recognizable udder inflammation is to be milked separately, whereby in conventional milking technology a collecting container (so-called "jug") is usually inserted in the long milk hose before it flows into the milking line, to which the milk, which has been changed in a sensible manner, is fed. The milk is then added discarded Milking the milk is derived separately according to predetermined parameters ..

It is also important for the overall health status of the herd to recognize whether an animal is ill in order to keep the risk of infection for other animals low. That is why it is important to get sick animals at an early stage. and especially to recognize animals suffering from udder diseases. The earlier an animal can be diagnosed, the lower the risk to the herd.

It is particularly advantageous not only to determine the disease of an animal, but also to recognize a beginning or impending disease, that is, to make a statement when the animal is not yet clinically noticeable.

Early identification of udder quarters with mastitis, regardless of the course of the disease (clinical or subclinical), helps to ensure operational productivity and keep milk quality at a high level. Such information is also helpful for animal welfare.

Information about the severity of the infection is decisive for the strategy that the farmer chooses for conspicuous animals (treatment, separate milking or only further observation of the animal). An indication of the severity of an infection can be obtained from the milk's content of semomatic cells. This information is usually only available to the farmer once a month as part of the milk inspection. He then receives the cell count only at the udder level, without knowing the cell count of the affected quarter. In order to obtain more precise values, he has to send a milk sample to an analysis laboratory. Healthy udder quarters generally have a cell content of less than about 100,000 somatic cells per ml milk. These consist of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophil granulocytes), lymphocytes, macrophages and non-differentiable cells (dead or changed cells and cell decay products). The proportions and cell counts can also fluctuate strongly in non-diseased animals. In cows that are not clinically noticeable, average values for the total number of cells of 38 but also only 15% are given for leukocytes, 13 and 25% for lymphocytes, and 17% for macrophages but also 60%.

Infections of the mammary gland lead to an increase in the total number of somatic cells, up to several million cells per ml milk, as well as a change in their composition. This is largely due to the influx of neutrophils in response to a wide variety of inflammatory mediators. The proportion of neutrophils in an acute infection can increase to more than 90% of the total number of cells. They are capable of phagocytosis and kill germs through enzymes in the granules as well as various forms of reactive oxygen.

US Pat. No. 6,297,045 B1 has disclosed a method which takes advantage of the formation of reactive oxygen by detecting it by means of chemiluminescence (CL). A stimulant and a light-enhancing substance such as luminol are added. With the stimulant, the phagocytotic activity of the neutrophils is stimulated and the light-enhancing substance has an enhancing effect. This activates all neutrophils in a milk sample. After all neutrophils have been activated, measurements are taken. The severity of an udder infection can be deduced from the quantitative measurement result. No. 6,297,045 B1 measures all neutrophils 20 minutes after activation and stimulation. Since a milking process typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes, the measurement result is not available in this period. Proceeding from this, the present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved method and an improved device which is suitable for detecting a characteristic feature of an animal's health status.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 or by a device having the features of claim 1 1. Advantageous further developments and refinements of the method and the device are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

According to the invention, a device is used in which a milk sample is examined. For this purpose, a light-enhancing substance is added to the milk sample and the light reaction or chemiluminescence is measured. The device according to the invention is designed in such a way and the method according to the invention is operated in such a way that the milk of each animal can be examined.

The invention has many advantages.

Measuring is possible when milking in the milking parlor and not only in the laboratory. The milking process is essentially not disturbed, as is the case in the prior art.

In contrast to the prior art, in a first embodiment, according to the invention, it is not waited until all the existing neutrophils are activated, but instead it is measured after the addition of the light-enhancing substance. Then the measurement is finished before milking is finished. The use of chemiluminescence to determine the cell content in blood, for example, is known per se in the prior art. A known method is the so-called "Whole Blood Test" method for examining the number of cells in blood. The "Isolated Cell Test" is also known as a method for examining the number of cells in body fluids. In both methods mentioned, the cell number is determined using a chemiluminescence method. A light-intensifying agent is added to the body fluid to be examined. In addition, a stimulant can also be added in these methods in order to activate all existing polymorphonuclear neutrophils. In such measurement methods, the intensity of the emitted light initially rises steeply to a first maximum value after addition of a light-amplifying agent and then drops again. If a stimulant is then added, after a while there will be a second increase with a larger second peak.

In the method according to US Pat. No. 6,297,045 B1, a light-intensifying agent and at the same time a stimulant agent are added. After an incubation period of 20 minutes, the light emission is measured for one minute.

From US 6,297,045 B1 it follows that the chemiluminescence methods can also be applied to milk. In this respect, milk can also be regarded as a body fluid.

This uses the present invention to measure during milking.

According to a proposal of the present invention, it is not waited until all neutrophils are activated in order to measure the value after the addition of a stimulant, but the measurement takes place after the addition of the light-enhancing substance. The invention enables a relatively quick measurement, so that the milking operation is essentially not affected. In the method according to US Pat. No. 6,297,045 B1, on the other hand, a long waiting time of 20 minutes is required before a measurement is possible. The measuring chamber must then be cleaned so that the measuring frequency is low.

The long time until the measurement in US Pat. No. 6,297,045 B1 is due, inter alia, to the fact that a stimulant is added which brings about the activation of all neutrophils. This is necessary there to determine their exact number in the milk.

In the present invention, the measurement is possible more quickly since the primary goal is not to determine the exact number of cells, but rather to derive a value which is characteristic of the (udder) health status of the animal. The value should serve as an indicator.

An important aim of this invention is not to separate out milk from sick animals, but to provide a measuring method which makes it easier to recognize sick animals at an early stage so as to make it possible to treat these animals at an early stage. Then the animals may not get really sick.

At this point it should be pointed out that “treating” in the sense of this application does not necessarily mean medicinal treatment. Treating or treating an animal can also be understood as meaning gentle treatment or the use of naturopathic methods that further use the milk of the animal Permit it legally or ethically, but it can also be treated with medication such as antibiotics, which usually means that milk cannot be reused. According to the invention, a stimulant such as an additional phagocytosis stimulator can be dispensed with. Then, the sole use of a light-enhancing substance without an additional phagocytosis stimulator does not generally permit the quantification of all neutrophils present in a milk sample. But it is possible to draw conclusions about the active neutrophils present at the moment of milking. This is closely related to the severity of the infection. This value thus represents a characteristic feature of the animal's health status.

In preferred developments, a stimulant can also be supplied in addition to a light-enhancing substance.

In another embodiment of the invention, two or more reaction or measuring containers are provided. When a first animal is milked, milk is fed into the first reaction container. When the second animal is milked, a milk sample is passed into the second reaction container. After the required reaction time has elapsed, the result of the first and then that of the second sample can then be determined. More than two reaction vessels can also be provided.

Several, e.g. four, reaction containers can be provided for a quarter-individual determination. One or more quarters can also be determined several times during a milking process. A suitable number of reaction containers can be provided for this.

It is possible for one reaction container to have a measuring apparatus and another for no measuring apparatus. It is also possible for a large number of, for example, three, four, five, six, eight, ten, twelve or more reaction containers to be provided. A reaction container for measuring sensors can be moved for measurement. The arrangement of the individual reaction vessels is arbitrary. So they can be arranged in a circle at certain angular distances or on a linear slide.

If several reaction vessels are used, the time period for determining the measurement result can be longer than the normal milking time if there is a corresponding number of reaction vessels that can be operated in parallel. An average measurement result is then achieved per milking process.

For the purposes of this application, typical milking time or “normal milking time” is understood to mean the time period that a characteristic animal needs on average during the milking process. This includes in particular the time period of milking. This can also include the time for the further process steps, such as driving in and driving out the cow, udder preparation and post-processing and waiting times count. This normally corresponds to a time span of about 5 to 15 minutes. When used in milking parlors with a large number of milking places, such as milking carousels, the milking parcel or the cycle time is considered "normal Milking time "understood. If e.g. If an animal enters the milking carousel every 30 seconds, a corresponding number of measuring devices must be provided in order to obtain a measurement result on average every second.

Use of the invention in a milking device is preferred. Then part of the milk milked during milking with at least one teat cup is derived for measurement. In particular, in preferred further developments it is a goal to detect an emerging udder disease during milking.

With regard to further refinements and developments of the invention, in particular, but not only, with regard to possible chemicals, concentrations, temperatures, dosages and processes to be used the disclosure content of US 6,297,045 B1. The content of US Pat. No. 6,297,045 B1 in column 1, line 1 to column 10, line 31 in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 9 is therefore included in the disclosure content of this application.

In further developments of the invention, peristaltic pumps or piston pumps or the like are preferably used to convey the liquids. Before a measurement, the milk sample and / or the chemical (s) and / or the measuring chamber can be set to a predetermined temperature. It is also possible for a temperature profile to be traversed during the measurement by first increasing the temperature and then lowering it again. To control the temperature, at least one heating device, e.g. an electric heating device is provided, the heat output of which is controllable. Separate heating devices for controlling the temperature of the measuring chamber, the access routes and possibly the chemical supply can also be provided. By means of one (or more) cooling device via e.g. a Peltier element can also be cooled.

The addition of one or more chemicals or a pH buffer is also possible, e.g. adjust the pH to a desired value.

A vibration device which interacts with the measuring chamber or with the reaction container or with the reaction chamber can be provided in order to mix the measuring liquid located in the measuring chamber by means of the vibrations. This ensures reliable mixing of the milk sample and light-intensifying substance, for example. Mixing can also take place via a type of agitator or by means of a shaker, air supply, via a targeted addition sequence or via a suitable flow guide or via another device. Part of the measuring chamber can be tubular, funnel-shaped or spherical. The measuring chamber preferably comprises at least one inlet and at least one separate outlet. Inlet and outlet can be provided on opposite sides to allow flow through. At least part of the measuring chamber can be designed to be reflective or mirrored in order to be able to measure a high luminous efficiency. The shape of the measuring chamber can be approximated to that of an integrating sphere. Such a design increases the light output and thus sensitivity.

In an advantageous development of one or more of the developments described above, it is proposed that a reservoir be provided between the milk line and the measuring device. This reservoir can also serve to calm the flow before entering the measuring chamber.

According to a further advantageous development of one or more previously described embodiments of the invention, it is proposed that after the detection has taken place, the measuring chamber or reaction chamber is cleaned. This is to ensure that subsequent milk flows are not contaminated.

The cleaning device preferably has at least one line for a cleaning agent. The measuring device is arranged in the flow path of the cleaning agent. At least one valve unit can be provided in the area in front of and behind the measuring device. These valve units are connected to the control unit, so that the measuring device is either connected to the milk line or the line for a cleaning agent or is completely closed off from all line routes. A cleaning process is preferred, in which at least one liquid such as water or at least one cleaning agent by the measuring or. Reaction chamber is performed. At least the measuring chamber is sealed off from the milk flow during the cleaning process.

The cleaning can be carried out in such a way that a cleaning agent flows through the measuring chamber opposite to the direction of flow of the liquid phase or the milk flow. In this way, deposits or particles can be loosened better and carried out of the measuring chamber.

The measuring chamber is preferably closed off from the milk line by means of valve devices which are controlled by a control unit, the valve devices remaining closed during the cleaning process.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the device has a blower device which is connected to the measuring device. An air flow is passed through the measuring device through the blower device. The blower device can have a heating device. The measuring device can be separated from the blower device by a valve device. A method procedure is preferred in which the air is previously heated in the blower device.

The air can be guided into the measuring device by means of a blower device, which is freed of dust particles by a filter, in order to remove liquid residues, in particular cleaning agent residues, from the elements of the measuring device that come into contact with liquids. Air can also be transported via negative pressure or through an other air source or pressure difference. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method, it is proposed that the cleaning success of the measuring chamber be checked by detection and that the cleaning can be repeated depending on the evaluation result. If it has been determined that the cleaning was incomplete, the cleaning process can be repeated until the desired cleaning result is achieved. The time available for this is limited by the milking time of the animal and the time until a subsequent animal is milked. If necessary, a subsequent milking process has to wait or the following milking process is carried out without measurement and the cleaning process is then continued.

The detection takes place optically, in particular with technical facilities and imaging methods. Process engineering / technical elements of photo-optics are preferably suitable for the detection. To increase the measurement accuracy, imaging methods and other methods that indicate the animal's udder health status, such as milk temperature, electrical conductivity, impedance spectroscopy, cyclovoltametry, milk flow rate, ion concentrations (e.g. determined by ion-selective electrodes) in milk, determination of the concentration of other milk ingredients such as Lactate, lactate dehydrogenase, NAGase (e.g. determined by biosensors), to optimize the measurement accuracy.

The detection is preferably evaluated using at least one analysis program. An image editing program can also be used. A combination of different measured values can take place through such mechanisms of the fuzzy logic as are known in the prior art.

Milk flow detection can be used to activate the method. Milk flow detection is preferably carried out by means of a milk flow sensor, which is arranged in particular in front of the measuring chamber. It exists furthermore also the possibility of positioning the milk flow sensor in the measuring chamber inlet of the measuring chamber itself or in the measuring chamber outlet.

A reaction to the signal coming in from the milk flow sensor can preferably take place with a time delay to be defined and / or set, so that it is ensured that a sufficient amount of the milking or also pre-milking is introduced into the measuring chamber.

In further developments of one or more previously described further developments, at least one further measurement method can be used to increase the reliability of detection and accuracy of diagnosis.

In addition to chemiluminescence, one or more physical quantities of the milk or animal can be measured, e.g. a pH value, a temperature of the milk, the udder or a quarter temperature, an optical transmission at at least one wavelength, an acoustic transmission, a conductivity, a color, a capacitive or also an inductive property.

By combining it with other measurement methods, the accuracy of the detection can be increased in order to provide even more reliable information about the need for treatment of an animal. Diagnostic certainty can be increased.

Depending on the configuration, the milked milk can also be selected in order to separate out low-quality milk.

If two or more different measurement methods are used, the order of the measurements is basically irrelevant. It is preferred if a more complex measurement method is only carried out when another method has signaled its need. In a further development, an analysis of the obviousness, for example a flake detection, is also carried out. This can be done in a separate measuring chamber, which is arranged in front of or behind the measuring chamber of the chemiluminescence measurement. A common measuring chamber is also possible, in which, for example, the chemiluminescence is first measured. Subsequently, more milk can be fed into the measuring chamber if more milk is required for flake detection than for measuring chemiluminescence. Milk quantities in the microliter range for measuring chemiluminescence and milk quantities in the milliliter range for flake detection are typical.

If the flake detection is carried out first, the flake detection is carried out on essentially pure milk. In the opposite case, there are other chemicals present in the milk sample for flock detection. This should be taken into account when evaluating.

For floc detection, a milk volume of a milk stream is preferably passed into a measuring chamber with at least one detector unit. The liquid (aqueous) phase of the milk in the measuring chamber (or milk with chemical additives) is led out of the measuring chamber.

If, for example, the first milk jets are used and contain flakes or particles, they remain in the measuring chamber. If the entire aqueous phase of the milk is removed from the measuring chamber, the flakes or the particles collect in the bottom area of the measuring chamber. After at least part of the liquid phase of the milk in the measuring chamber has been drained from the measuring chamber, at least a portion of the bottom surface of the measuring chamber is detected. The entire bottom surface of the measuring chamber can preferably be detected, as a result of which a more informed statement can be made about the particle or flake content in the milk. Depending on the result of the evaluation of the detection, it is then possible to either direct the milk flow to the collecting container for usable milk or to discard it. While separation of unsuitable milk is not the primary goal, it may well be a side effect.

In order to simplify and accelerate the separation of the flakes or particles from the liquid phase in the measuring chamber, it is proposed according to an advantageous development of the invention that the milk volume is brought into contact with retention agents which are permeable or continuous for the liquid phase and which act as a macro - And / or microstructures of the most varied shapes can be formed.

Holding means can also be arranged on a separate carrier within the measuring chamber, which is replaceable.

The liquid phase preferably flows out of the measuring chamber within a predetermined period of time or is derived from the measuring chamber.

In the case of the detection of components which have been changed conspicuously, it is proposed that an area opposite the detector unit is provided in the measuring chamber which can be deflected from a horizontal. This has the advantage that, depending on the angle of inclination, particles that have sunk can be washed away from the support. This can also be achieved in that the measuring chamber and / or an area opposite the detector unit can be brought into a position that is less inclined with respect to the horizontal. The surface structure of the overlay is structured in such a way that suspended particles are prevented from being washed away. The overlay can also have a dark color impression or a light color impression or, in a geometric arrangement to be determined, fields with a dark and a light color impression in order to enable a contrast to the color impressions of deposited particles. It is also possible for the overlay to have a color or grayscale or brightness curve.

Such an advantageous embodiment on the one hand prevents the particles from washing away and on the other hand makes cleaning easier if the measuring chamber and / or an area opposite the detector unit is pivoted in an opposite direction.

According to a further advantageous development, it is proposed that the milk flow in front of the measuring chamber be calmed down in a calming section. This measure also ensures that settling of the particles in the milk flow is accelerated in the measuring chamber.

At the start, milk flow detection can be provided in this and in all other configurations of the invention. A point in time and a period of time can then be determined from which and within which part of a milk flow is passed into a measuring chamber. This can also be done depending on the volume flow of the milk. Such derivation can also take place when the chemiluminescence is measured alone.

The measuring chamber of the device according to the invention is then designed such that at least part of a liquid phase of the milk is drained from the measuring chamber and that a valve device that can be controlled by the control unit is provided in order to control inflow and outflow. A vibration device or a separator or a rotating mechanism can also be provided for separating the liquid phase. The liquid phase can be separated from the milk volume by centrifugal forces or the like.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the wall of the measuring chamber be at least partially hydrophobic. So the wall can be formed with a corresponding coating. The coating with hydrophilic or lipophilic or lipophobic coatings is provided in an analogous manner.

In further preferred developments, features are used as described in the applicant's European patent application EP 02014570.2-1260, in particular on page 4, line 4 to page 43, line 15 with reference to the figures.

In a preferred development of the invention or one or more of the developments described above, a photo cell is used as the sensor. The use of photomultiplier tubes is also possible, especially if only low signal levels are present.

In order to enable the use of inexpensive photocells instead of the more complex and sensitive sensors based on photomultiplier tubes, the measuring chamber for measuring chemiluminescence is preferably designed in such a way that the signal level is increased or at least only slightly attenuated. Then it is also possible to use inexpensive and robust optical detectors, for example based on semiconductors. In addition to the use of silicon detectors, the use of GaAs or InGaAs semiconductor detectors with a low threshold voltage is particularly conceivable. To increase the intensity, at least some of the emitted radiation can be deflected onto the detector. This is preferably done by constructive design and also by optical components. From an optical point of view, the measuring chamber can preferably be designed similar to a spherical emitter. This has the particular advantage of a vacuum-stable shape of the reaction chamber. The walls of the reaction chamber to the sensor can be made thin and therefore low-absorption with respect to the emitted radiation.

The detector can also be thermally stabilized and, if necessary, cooled to compensate for noise and to better set the operating point. This can preferably be accomplished by attaching a cooling or heating element. Controlled heating to a predefined temperature point and / or thermal insulation of the sensor electronics is also preferred for this purpose. Likewise, a temperature detection unit can be provided in the immediate vicinity of the sensor to measure the temperature of the sensor and to compensate for the influence of temperature.

Concentration can take place in terms of time by evaluating the signal curves during the start of the emission. The signal can start from the beginning of mixing via e.g. 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5 or even 10 minutes can be registered and measured.

The light emitted by the sample can be focused on the detector (s) by means of mirror or lens systems. Especially when evaluating radiation in limited wavelength ranges, only the relevant radiation can be directed to the detector by using color filters, while interference radiation is prevented by the detector. If only radiation in relatively narrow wavelength ranges or even almost monochromatic radiation is detected, the use of optical interfaces bundling of light can be achieved. In addition to optical multilayer elements and Fresnel elements, the use of holographic optical elements (HOE) is also possible.

HOE's can be used both as transmission elements and as reflection elements. Holographic reflection elements reach bandwidths between a few nanometers and up to a few hundred nanometers and thus allow e.g. targeted filtering of light. With e.g. the transmission holograms or Fresnel lenses connected downstream can then bundle the relevant radiation onto the detector. Concentration with interference filters has a reinforcing effect and can also bundle the light energy. Fresnel lenses can be used in combination with other optical components or alone.

A further possibility of inexpensive couplings to the detector is provided by the shape of the measuring chamber, which can also be used without the use of lenses or mirrors to ensure a cheap coupling of the sensor to the light emitting sample. A structurally suitable design in combination with optical components is also possible. When designing the measuring chamber, the absorption coefficient of the milk for the emitting radiation can be taken into account in order to achieve a suitable layer thickness of the sample.

When selecting the materials for the design of the measuring chamber, the absorption behavior of the measuring container can be taken into account.

The operating point of the sensor can be kept in a favorable range by optically opaque materials, in particular by shut-off valves or by valves made of material which is optically opaque in the relevant frequency range. Appropriate design measures can be used to keep the noise at a low level in particular. In this way, the useful and interference signals are largely kept separate.

The use of several detector elements is also preferred. Reflective surfaces can also be used to direct the radiation. This enables a particularly compact design of the overall sensor and efficient use of the emitted radiation to be achieved. This makes it possible to use a small, separated amount of milk for sampling.

The timing is controlled when the reagent is added. In preferred further developments, the reaction chamber is heated in order to allow the first reaction to proceed as quickly as possible and to obtain a strong useful signal. Rapid addition of the reagent in combination with thorough mixing of the sample has a further beneficial effect on the formation of a high useful signal.

A thorough mixing of the milk with the at least one reagent can, for. B. happen through air inlet into the reaction chamber. This can be implemented in such a way that a valve is opened which allows the air to flow through the reaction chamber from the bottom upwards or from one or more sides. A buffer volume in the upper part of the reaction chamber can be used to degas the milk through which air flows. The openings for dosing the at least one reagent as well as feed means and conveying means can also be used for the mixing.

A second valve can shut off the way into the milking system, whereby both valves can be positively guided so that the valve on the milk flow side is closed first and opened last. A possible process can look like this:

The preparation of a mixture of milk and at least one reagent is an important step in carrying out the measurement. In a given chamber, the radiation arriving at the detector depends on the spatial angle from which photons fall onto the detector. The fill level can influence the strength of the measured value.

According to the invention, a restriction of the detector field of view can be achieved by introducing diaphragms, so that the measured value is independent of the amount of milk introduced into the reaction chamber. Another prerequisite for the measurement is a suitable mixture of milk and reagent within the detector field of view. This will be done by appropriate design measures according to the state of the art, i.e. volume dosing, mass dosing or by time-based dosing.

Filling the reaction container up to a constant filling level with a first component and then adding a known amount of the second component represents a particularly simple possibility of implementation. This can be done, for example, with peristaltic or piston metering pumps. Alternatively, systems with tilting trays are conceivable for this process, whereby the tilting can be detected by sensors. Using measured values at the beginning of each measurement immediately before introducing the reagent and after introducing the reagent can be used to further reduce the effect of remaining tolerances on the measured value.

The reaction container is preferably protected from outside light. At least one calibration measurement can be carried out.

The invention is not only suitable for use in cow's milk or for milking cows, but can also be used in the milking of sheep, goats, mares, donkeys, llamas, camels, dromedaries, buffaloes, reindeer, yaks, moose and other milk-giving animals , Depending on the type of animal or milk, the concentrations and chemicals can be adjusted accordingly.

Further advantages, details and features of the invention are explained with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, without the subject matter of the invention being restricted to these preferred exemplary embodiments.

The figures show:

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a milking device in a schematic view.

2 shows the basic structure of a measuring chamber;

Fig. 3 shows another embodiment with integrated selection of milk. In Figures 1 and 2, the use of the invention is shown in a first embodiment.

In this exemplary embodiment, the device according to the invention is used to determine the health status of a milk-giving animal in a milking installation. During milking, it is thus possible to detect inflammation processes in the udder with optical detectors using a reagent.

The chemicals known in the prior art can be used as the reagent. In the measurement, in particular the first reaction of at least one reagent with products from inflammatory processes such as free radicals is used to determine the current activity of the inflammatory reaction.

To evaluate the signal, typically in the first seconds after the onset of the reaction, the strength of the signal and its time dependence are evaluated. The measured values are saved for better evaluation. The level of the signal level or its change over time can be used for evaluation. In particular, the slope with time, that is to say the first derivative, but also the second and higher derivatives, can be used for the evaluation. A combination of the level of the signal in combination with higher derivatives over time can also be used. Low-order derivatives, for example the first or second derivative, are preferably used. The signal can also be integrated.

By metering in at least one reagent (eg luminol or pholasin), the oxygen released by neutrophilic granulocytes or other free radicals, if applicable, is converted, with the result that light is emitted, which is sensed. Figure 1 shows a milking device. The milking device has milking cups 1 which are connected to a collecting piece 3 via short milking hoses 2. The outlet of the collecting piece 3 is connected to a milking line 47 via a milking hose 4.

A flow valve unit or blocking unit 5 is arranged inside the milking hose 4. The blocking unit 5 causes a local change in the flow cross section within the milking hose 4. Locking units 5 can also be provided in the short milk tubes 2, e.g. to enable quarter-individual milking. Instead of the short milk tubes, long milk tubes can also be used. This is e.g. preferred for semi or fully automatic milking.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the milk sample to be examined is tapped from the milk line 4 and passed to a measuring device 6. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the milk sample is only tapped after the milk collection piece. The milk can also be tapped quarter-by-quarter to measure quarter-individually.

The measuring device 6 according to the invention is shown schematically in FIG. The measuring device 6 can also be offered and used separately as an independent device for milk analysis. The milk taken out of the milk line 4 is conveyed through a line 43 to a collecting bowl by means of a pump 42, which can be designed as a peristaltic pump, for example. The first part of the milk can be fed directly into the drain to avoid influencing the measurement result with substances that are still present in the pipes. This can be milk from the last measurement, for example, or it could be residues of a cleaning agent or (distilled) water with which it is rinsed has been. If it is ensured that there are no interfering foreign substances, the first milk jets can also be used.

Thereafter, the collecting tray or the collecting container is pivoted away or the line 43 is led to the sample container 45. Then a defined amount of e.g. 50 μl milk through the pump 42 and line 43 in the sample container 45. Afterwards or simultaneously, a certain amount of e.g. 10 μl light-intensifying agent such as Luminol into the from the container 48 via the line 47 by means of a pump 46 in the sample container 45. In addition, an amount of e.g. 450 μl of a culture solution (e.g. containing 5 mM Hepes Eagle's-Minimum Essential Medium) was introduced, which can be stabilized with a pH buffer.

As a rule, care should be taken to ensure that no reagent can flow back into the milk line so that the milk cannot be contaminated by reaction chemicals (luminol etc.) and cleaning chemicals. Therefore, designs are preferred in which a structural separation via e.g. there is a free air volume as described above and shown in FIG. 2.

If the culture solution is introduced last, sufficient mixing can be achieved simply by this mixing sequence. A separate mixing device can also be provided to ensure adequate homogenization.

During the introduction and / or subsequently, the liquid to be examined can be brought to a predetermined temperature with the heater 52. The liquid to be examined is then preferably kept at the predetermined temperature with the heater 52. In addition to the liquid to be examined, the measuring chamber itself can also be tempered. Otherwise a temperature level of the measuring liquid is set, which is due to the individual materials, masses and temperatures. For high accuracy, it makes sense to temper both the liquid to be examined and the measuring chamber itself. If, for example, there are enough empirical values, only the temperature of the measuring chamber can be sufficient or the temperature of the liquid to be examined can be controlled.

The container 48 can be vented through the filter 49. However, it is also possible for the wall of the container 48 to be designed and constructed in such a way that the outer shape adapts to the content and thus no ventilation is required, for example by the wall being consists of a thin and flexible film.

It is pointed out that both absolute and relatively different amounts of the individual substances can be used. The exact concentration and amounts depend on the other process conditions. In particular, the choice of materials, the choice of temperatures and the size of the measuring chamber offer scope for adapting the individual parameters.

Simultaneously with the mixing, which also benefits from the flow conditions or swirling internals or the like or from e.g. If a vibration device can be supported, the cover 50 is pivoted away and the light intensity is measured via the detector 51. To increase the signal, the wall of the sample container 45 can be at least partially reflective or mirrored, with a transparent opening for the detector remaining.

Mixing the milk with the at least one reagent can e.g. B. also through the air inlet from below (or from the side) into the reaction chamber. This can be implemented in such a way that a valve is opened which allows the air to flow through the reaction chamber from bottom to top. A buffer volume in the upper part of the reaction chamber can be used to degas the milk through which air flows. The openings for metering the at least one reagent as well as feed means and conveying means can also be used for the mixing. An advantage of such an embodiment is that no moving parts are required for mixing.

The intensity is preferably measured continuously or quasi-continuously directly after the addition of the individual ingredients. A periodic measurement taking place at certain time intervals is also preferred. For example, time intervals of 0.001 to 10 seconds between individual measurements are possible. The entire measuring period is preferably so short that the milking operation is not disturbed and is below a “normal milking period”, which in the sense of this application is between about 5 and 15 minutes. The measuring period can therefore also be adapted to the animal to be milked and vary between, for example, less than 1 and 5 or between 5 and 10. The evaluation of the signals over time (for example, slope with time) permits further information.

In a modified embodiment, measurement times of over 10 minutes are also possible, for example up to 20 or 30 minutes or even longer. In order to then ensure trouble-free milking, several reaction containers should be provided, which are successively filled with milk from different cows. If, for example, 6 or 8 reaction or measuring containers are provided, which are arranged rotationally symmetrically, for example, in the manner of a turret construction, the milk of 6 or 8 cows (or 6 or 8 different quarters) can be analyzed. Other forms of arrangement are also possible. With an average milking time of 5 minutes, the measuring process with 6 chambers can then take about half an hour. With an average milking time of 10 minutes, the measuring process can even take up to an hour.

With such a procedure, the measurement of the light signal is also possible, as is known from US Pat. No. 6,297,045 B1. The disadvantage of the long duration of the measuring method there is then overcome by the reaction chamber or measuring chamber magazine. Under certain circumstances, with such an embodiment, measurements can only be carried out during a predefined period of time after an incubation phase. This can offer cost advantages, since not every reaction chamber has to have its own measuring apparatus. Then e.g. each reaction chamber after 5 to 25 minutes for e.g. Measure 0.1 to 10 minutes, preferably between 0.5 and 5 minutes. The exact time window can be set or predefined. The time window can also be determined by the herd management software for each individual animal (individual animal district) or for individual groups or herds.

The choice of the measurement substances and the corresponding concentrations can also be made individually for each animal, breed, group or herd. In addition, the measurement process can also take place depending on the history of the corresponding animal, so that the measurement is carried out even more precisely in sick animals or in animals in which signs of illness have already been discovered. A higher frequency of measurement is preferred for conspicuous animals. While it is possible, for example, that measurements are usually only taken once a day or every two days or even only once a week, if an animal is noticeable it can also be measured with every milking. Repeated measurements during a milking process are then also possible. The frequency of the measurement can also depend on other circumstances. In the case of an overall healthy herd, the measuring frequency may be lower and, for example, it can only be measured once every day. For the measurement frequency, an optimum of costs and benefits can be striven for. The operating costs depend, among other things, on the chemicals used.

Preferred temperatures of the measurement are between 30 and 45 ° C, whereby at higher temperatures (e.g. above 42 ° C) it should be noted that changes to e.g. the proteins can occur through degeneration. Temperatures between 35 and 40 ° C. are particularly preferred. Good results can e.g. achieve at 37 ° C.

In alternative embodiments, zymosan or formyl-metionyl-leucyl-phenylanaline (fMLP) or phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) can be added as an activating or stimulating agent in addition to a light-intensifying agent such as luminol. Similar known means as known in the prior art can also be used.

After the measurement, the measuring device can be rinsed with a cleaning agent and / or water. Clean air can be directed into the container for drying via a filter.

Since the milking vacuum has an impact on udder health, the milking vacuum is controlled in the application or exemplary embodiment shown here as a function of a control vacuum. Wrong teat vacuums can promote udder diseases because they can damage the tissue in the long run. It is therefore important to maintain suitable vacuum conditions for udder health. For control purposes, a comparison of the milking vacuum or the proportional parameter with a predetermined control vacuum takes place within the comparison device. Depending on the comparison result of the current milking vacuum and the predetermined control vacuum, the pressure drop at the blocking unit 5 is set in order to set the milking vacuum to the desired value.

The milking process is controlled by pulsators 8 which periodically act on the milking cups. The pulsator 8 is connected via lines 13, 14 to the operating or control vacuum and the normal air. Instead of using normal air, it may also be possible to apply compressed air via line 14 to the pulsator 8 in order to generate higher differences.

The control vacuum is set in a control pressure setting unit 9. For this, e.g. Open the nozzles as specified to set the desired vacuum value. Basically, it is preferred that the control vacuum is generated from the operating vacuum. The level of the control vacuum can also be set individually for each animal. It is also possible to adjust the individual quarters or to vary the control vacuum over the milking period.

The control pressure setting unit 9 can be a valve unit and e.g. comprise a compensation unit, the valve unit being actuated by pulses or the like in such a way that the desired vacuum level is established. The compensation unit that may be present then smoothes the course of the vacuum over time, so that the set control pressure results.

The vacuum can also be controlled individually for each animal depending on the measurement result of the chemiluminescence in order to strengthen the udder health. Part of the milk is preferably separated in a branch in order to guide the milk to the sensor. In a further embodiment, this branch can be closed, for example by means of a valve, in such a way that a liquid column is formed. The at least one reagent can be fed into this liquid column in order to start the reaction. In turn, air can flow through the liquid column in the manner described above in order to achieve mixing with the reagent. The branch is designed so that no reagent-containing milk can get back into the main milk stream.

In Fig. 3 the application of the invention is shown schematically in a further embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, two different measurement methods are used to increase the reliability of the diagnosis. To do this, the chemiluminescence is first measured. A flock detection is then carried out. Another measurement can be carried out instead of the floc detection.

Other sizes can also be measured to determine the animal's health status. These include, for example, the temperature of the animal, pH value and conductivity of the milk and the like.

In this embodiment, milk of poor quality can be separated out with the milking device. The device comprises a milk line 401. The measuring device 403 is connected to the milk line 401 via a feed line 418.

Downstream of the feed line 418, the milk line 401 has a valve device 412 which is controlled by a control unit 410. The milk flow can be directed through the valve device 412 depending on the result of a detection into a line 413 for usable milk or into a line 414 for non-usable milk. 3 shows that a flow guide body 402 is arranged in the milk line 401. A reservoir 422 is provided in the transition area between milk line 401 and feed line 418.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the flow guide body 402 partially projects radially inward from a wall of the milk line 401 into the reservoir 422. The flow guide body 402 is arranged in a stationary manner on the milk line. Alternatively, the flow guide body 402 can be designed to be movable. It can be inserted and executed in the milk line 401. This can be connected to the control unit 410 by a corresponding actuation unit, so that the flow guide body 402 changes the position depending on the state of the process. The flow guide body 402 is preferably designed such that it offers a different flow resistance depending on its position in the milk transport line 401 of the flowing milk.

A valve unit 417 is provided between the reservoir 422 and the measuring device 403. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the valve unit 417 is connected to the control unit 410 via signal lines (not shown).

The measuring device 403 has a measuring chamber 404 which is connected to the feed line 418. The measuring device 403 has an optical detector unit 406. In addition to the detector unit 406, illumination units 407 are shown, which are provided for the illumination in the flock detection.

The measuring device 403 preferably has at least one filling level sensor 409. In the illustrated embodiment there are two

Level sensors 408, 409 are provided. The level sensors 408, 409 are connected to the control unit 410 via signal lines, not shown. The filling level sensor 409 detects the highest filling level in the chamber 404. The filling level sensor 408 detects the lowest filling level in the measuring chamber 404. The measuring chamber 404 is designed such that the liquid phase flows off. It can also act as a decanter or be designed as such.

The measuring device 403 has a drain device 411, through which milk or measuring liquid can drain from the measuring chamber 404. The drain device 411 can have a movable closure body 423 with a drain edge 424. The closure body 423 is designed to be movable, so that the drain edge 424 carries out an essentially vertical change in position. The device 411 is connected to the control unit 410.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, a support 405 is arranged on the bottom 425 of the measuring chamber 404. The pad 405 is positioned substantially flat and horizontally. The bottom 425 of the measuring chamber is inclined towards the drain device 411. The pad 405 partially covers the floor 425. It is positioned opposite the detector unit 406.

After the entire measuring process, which consists of the chemiluminescence measurement and the floc detection, the measuring device 403 is e.g. during the further milking, a cleaning agent flows through line 415 for a cleaning agent and is cleaned. Separate cleaning after each measurement is also possible.

In this embodiment, the chemiluminescence is first measured. For this purpose, as in the previous exemplary embodiment, a culture solution or a base material is mixed with the light-intensifying substance and the milk. The subsequent light emission is measured. Therefore, as in the previous exemplary embodiment, the measuring device is preferably relatively light-tightly encased in such a way that essentially no disturbing ambient light enters the measuring chamber during the measurement. The measuring chamber, on the other hand, can be essentially mirrored inside in the manner of an integrating sphere (or based on an integrating sphere) in order to increase the luminous efficiency.

Under suitable conditions, the use of conventional photocells is possible. Otherwise, photomultiplier tubes can also be used. If a photo cell is used, this and / or the amplification electronics can be cooled by Peltier elements if necessary, in order to reduce the intrinsic noise and to increase the signal / noise ratio. For this purpose, a temperature sensor unit can be provided in the vicinity of the photo cell, which determines a characteristic temperature of the photo cell. The temperature effect of the photocell can then be taken into account.

After measuring the light reaction, milk is added until there is enough milk for flake detection. While only milk amounts of around 100 μl are used to measure the light reaction, a few milliliters of milk are usually required for floc detection.

Both (or even more) measurement results are correlated with each other and the results are output and saved.

The aim of the udder health examination described here is to examine the dairy cattle at the milking parlor or in hand-operated devices. For devices that are installed at the milking parlor, special methods for increasing efficiency are available in cooperation with the herd management software. Using the software, the milker can be asked by signals on the milking control device whether such an udder examination should take place. Automatic execution is also possible.

Herd management can control the conduct of the udder health check. This can be time-controlled or based on past values or other available values.

For example, values from the feed delivery or the frequency of movement of the animal, the frequency of feeding, the amount of milk and the milking time etc. can be taken into account. The herd health as a whole can also be taken into account.

A typical sample regime is the examination of udder health in a time grid, which narrows when approaching a critical threshold value in order to better control udder health or to be able to better counter impending diseases. Diagnostic aids can be generated from the data obtained, which give the veterinarian or the operating personnel important support in the treatment of diseased animals.

Another procedure is to make a decision based on the current sensor data as to whether the milked milk is allowed to get into the tank or can be released for recycling. In the milking system, this decision can then be implemented in conjunction with other components.

If available, other sensor-acquired or stored data are also used for this. During the subsequent cleaning, any particles 421 that may be present are detached and discharged. The cleaning process is recognized by the liquid level sensor 409 for the maximum filling level. The liquid level sensor 409 sends a signal to the control unit 410, which then causes the valve unit 416 to end the cleaning process by closing the line for a cleaning agent.

All of the cleaning agent flows out via drain 419. If necessary, a device (not shown) supplies (e.g. compressed) air to the measuring device 403. The measuring device can thus be blown dry.

The type of design described above has the advantage of good cleanability. The bypass can be included in the same cleaning processes as the rest of the system. The complete emptying of water or chemicals can also be carried out in the same way.

The completion of the cleaning process is reported to the control unit 410 by the liquid level sensor 408, which then activates at least one lighting unit 407 and the detector unit 406 by means of the signals. The detector unit 406 checks the cleaning success. Detector unit 406 provides a signal to the control unit. This signal is evaluated and it is determined whether the cleaning process is to be repeated or was successful and therefore the sequence device 411 can be brought back to the starting position.

At the end of the milking process, a signal is transmitted to the control unit 410 that can be emitted, for example, by a milk flow detection device, which is not shown. Due to the detection of flakes, the milk line 401 must now be cleaned before the next milking process. The control unit sends a signal to a cleaning device for the milk line, for example an intermediate rinse 420 so that the milk line 401 can be freed from quality-reducing particles.

It is also preferred to determine the enzymes in milk, e.g. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) or N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase) "to determine health status.

The use of the invention in milking parlors is preferred. This can be herringbone milking parlors or car stall milking parlors. The invention is also suitable for use in a milking carousel. Then the measuring frequency should be adapted to the speed of rotation. A sampling device is then provided at each milking stall that takes a milk sample. The samples can be measured using one or more reaction chambers and an adapted number of detectors, so that a measuring signal is present in the average cycle of the milking parlor (e.g. carousel cycle). In the case of larger milking parlors, a correspondingly high number of detector devices must then be provided.

To compensate for different milking times, a buffer store can be provided that holds a certain number of different samples. If a measuring device is free, the next sample is fed to the measuring device. If some animals are milked out more slowly during the milking period, the supply of samples is sufficient to continuously supply the measuring device (s) with samples. Conversely, if some animals are milked faster, the buffer can take samples and store them temporarily until one or more measuring devices are free to measure again.

Claims

Expectations

An apparatus for determining the health status of an animal, comprising: at least one reaction chamber device for taking a milk sample; at least one chemical storage container from which a light-amplifying agent can be derived into the reaction chamber device; at least one optical detector device for measuring the intensity emitted in the reaction chamber device; at least one control device for carrying out the measurement; the device being structured such that it is suitable for determining on average at least one measurement result after a normal milking period.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that with the control device, the plurality of at least two reaction chamber devices can be brought into measurement contact with the detector device in succession.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reaction chamber device is designed such that the light reaction can be measured essentially directly after mixing the milk sample with the light-amplifying means.

4. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measurement can be controlled periodically or continuously with the control device and the measured values can be stored in a storage device.

Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor device is provided with which at least one second measuring method can be carried out, the second measuring method being able to be taken from a group of measuring methods which determine temperature, conductivity, capacitance. , Impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltametry, ion concentration determination, milk quantity measurement, pH value determination, flake detection method and the like.

6. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one parameter of the milk can be detected, which is taken from a group of parameters, which physical, chemical and biological parameters such as temperature, pH value, viscosity, Conductivity, impedance, capacity, optical and acoustic transmission, absorption and reflection characteristics, milk quantity, quarter milk quantity, urea content, ketone bodies, hormones and in particular progesterone and the like.

7. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one heating device is provided.

8. milking parlor with at least one device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sampling device is provided at each milking stall.

9. Milking parlor according to claim 8, characterized in that that several reaction chamber devices are provided.

10. Milking parlor according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a sample storage device is provided to compensate for different milking times of different animals.

11. A method for determining the health status of an animal, which comprises the following steps in this or another order:

a) introducing a certain amount of chemicals of a light-enhancing agent into a reaction chamber; b) introducing a certain amount of milk sample into the reaction chamber; c) measuring the light response;

the method being carried out in such a way that on average there is at least one measurement result during a normal milking period.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that at least two, or three or more reaction chambers are provided, which are filled in succession.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that after the filling of a reaction chamber, a reaction time is waited for before the measurement result of the milk sample is measured in the reaction chamber.

14. The method according to at least one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that that the reaction time is longer than the normal milking time and that first a first reaction chamber is filled when milking a first animal, the light reaction being measured after the first animal has finished milking, while another animal is being milked, its milk sample into another Reaction chamber is directed.

15. The method according to at least one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the light signal is determined substantially immediately after the introduction of the I O liquid to be measured into the reaction chamber.

16. The method according to at least one of claims 1 1 to 15, characterized in that measured values are recorded essentially continuously or periodically.

17. The method according to at least one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the temporal course of the light intensity is evaluated in order to determine a characteristic feature of the health status of the animal.

18. The method according to at least one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that the course of the light intensity over time within the first 30 minutes, preferably within the first 10 minutes, particularly preferably within the first 5 minutes or within 1 minute after the mixing liquid to be examined is evaluated to obtain a characteristic feature of the animal's health status

30 determine.

19. The method according to at least one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that in addition a stimulant is added to achieve a high degree of activation.

20. The method according to at least one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that at least one second measurement method is carried out, which e.g. is a floc detection method.