DE102007051435A1 - Animal e.g. cow, milking method, involves providing individual information of animals, and assigning animals exhibiting comparable characteristics to groups, where groups are milked in separate group milking areas - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves providing individual information of animals, and sorting the animals into groups (G, G1-G4, G1.1-G1.3, G2.1-G2.3) according to a predetermined sorting criteria e.g. milking barness. The animals exhibiting comparable characteristics are assigned to the groups, and the groups are milked in separate group milking areas (MB1-MB13). Automatic animal recognition takes place before sorting the animals, where the animal recognition takes place contactlessly. An independent claim is also included for a device for milking animals.

Description

Of the The invention relates to a method and on a device for milking animals, especially cows.

Even though both the method and the apparatus are related hereafter with the milking of cows explained Neither the method nor the device is on the Milking cows limited. The method and apparatus are for milking milk-giving Animals, in particular of sheep, goats, lamas, camels, dromedaries, Study, Mares, donkeys, yaks and other milk-giving animals. The invention can be applied both to robotic milking systems and in fully automatic, semi-automatic and conventional milking systems be used.

It is known to be big Dairy cattle herds in which occasionally also different races exist are different for ease of herd management Sort criteria are divided into groups. The essential Criteria for the formation of groups of animals within large herds are usually: produced milk quantity, age or number of lactations, state within the lactation phase, reproductive status, health status and occasionally the animal race. In addition, it is known that Animals that have been treated with medicines, animals with health Problems and animals whose milk contains special milk constituents the flock are discarded and a separate milking be subjected. Although choosing a sorting criterion for grouping of animals can be plant specific, is in most cases one Grouping according to the milk yield produced. This type of group formation allows a simple way a performance-oriented feeding the animals.

In Groups formed according to the above criteria can animals with sometimes extremely different milking times, different Teat diameters or extremely different cell content in the Milk are located. Especially in Gruppenmelkständen is the group change by the animal with the longest Milking time determined. This often results in relatively long waiting times for the already milked animals in the milking parlor, so that the possible milking performance of the Milking parlor and the milker reduced. A grouping of animals after milking the individual animals would improve the milking process, in return would However, other areas of herd management worsen, such as B. the performance-oriented feeding. This would too then be the case if the animal grouping according to the criteria Teat diameter or cell content would be done.

Large dairy herds are usually milked in large milking parlor facilities. Milking parlor facilities are also adapted to the animals to be milked, in particular to the animal breed and the animal size. For example, group milking parlors are known in which the animals are positioned for milking herringbone (herringbone milking parlor) or side by side (side-by-side milking parlor) or one behind the other (tandem milking parlor). There are also known combinations of these milking parlor types. In addition, through the WO 95/05735 a method and an apparatus for animal sorting known. The animals to be sorted are recognized by means of a first electronic identification system. A subsequent sorting gate is adjusted according to the predetermined sorting features and thereby clears the way to one of at least two outputs. The sorting gate is preceded by a blocking gate in the entrance area, which can be moved into a blocking position and an open position as a function of a sorting feature detected by a second identification system.

By the EP 0 499 428 A1 an animal sorting system is known. The animal sorting system has an entrance with an identification sensor to identify an animal passing through the entrance. Behind the entrance extends a passage from which a second corridor branches off. Furthermore, a gate is provided, by means of which in a first position, a connection of the input to the first gear is established and a connection of the input to a second gear, wherein when the connection is made with the first gear, the second gear is locked and vice versa , The one gate is actuated by means of an actuating device, wherein the actuating device is controlled by means of an automatic control.

at the known method for sorting animals can not be excluded be that animals with very different properties in one Group of animals, although the animals of the group Fulfill sort criterion.

Of these, Based on the present invention, the objective is based to improve the known method so that a higher efficiency of the milking plant is reached.

These The object is achieved by a Method solved by the feature of claim 1. Advantageous developments and embodiments of the method according to the invention are the subject the dependent Claims.

The inventive method for milking animals, especially cows draws is characterized by the fact that at least one animal-specific information about the respective animal is provided. This is followed by a sorting of the animals into at least two groups according to at least one predetermined sorting criterion.

The individual animals of the groups are in different group milking areas milked.

By this method of the invention is achieves that animals that have comparable characteristics be assigned to the appropriate group or groups and these groups are milked in separate group milking areas. This will in particular an improved utilization of the milking plant reached.

The Animals of a herd can sorted vertically and / or horizontally. In a horizontal Sorting the herd for individual sorting criteria becomes the herd sorted into several, at least two, groups. In a vertical Sorting of animals, the animals of a group at least one subjected to further sorting. This measure will that achieves an even better association of animals to groups can be done. In particular, you can very homogeneous groups are formed.

The Animals are preferably equipped with identification means, in which at least one information about the animal is included. These may be, for example, RFID components whose Information content about corresponding detection means can be read out. The Animal identification or sorting of the animals is preferably done automatically. For this purpose, appropriate sorting devices are provided, which is connected to a control device, so that sorting according to Identification of the animal and decision on the sorting or assignment to a particular group.

Prefers is a method in which the animal identification is contactless.

The At least one sorting criterion is preferably selected from the animal-specific Derived data. Based on the known animal-individual Data can Sorting criteria are formed. Particular preference is given a method in which the at least one sorting criterion is selected from the group of criteria, teat shape or teat shape, in particular Teat diameter, udder shape, milkability, milking performance, milking time, lactation status, Reproductive status, animal breed, milk quality, especially cell content, Health status.

Becomes For example, if the sorting criterion "milking time" is set, animals with, for example, one can Milking time of less than or equal to six minutes per animal in one be milked first group milking area. Animals whose milking time greater than six minutes per animal, are milked in a second group milking area. It is not mandatory that the group milking areas have the same number of milking stations. There is a possibility the group milking areas have different numbers of milking stations. If the number of animals whose milking time in the illustrated embodiment less than or equal to six minutes per animal, this group may be assigned to a milking area, which has a smaller number of milking having. The number of animals whose milking time is greater than six minutes per animal can be milked in the other milking area be a larger number from milking parlors having.

The Sorting after the milking time also has the advantage that for group milking parlors Utilization of group milking parlors is improved. In a milking area, in which the animals with milked the smaller milking time is compared to the Prior art, an increase in milking performance of the milking parlor and the milker reached. In particular, this is achieved by that now no longer the animal with the largest milking time for the entire milking process a group is crucial, because a certain homogeneity of the groups has been produced.

Becomes for example, the sorting criterion "teat shape or teat shape, especially teat diameter ", set, so can for example, cows with a teat diameter of z. B. less than or equal to 20 mm be milked in a first Gruppenmelkbereich and cows with a Teat diameter greater than 20 mm be milked in a second Gruppenmelkbereich. At this Procedure improves milking in the group milking areas, what a better Ausmelkgrad, a better udder health, shorter milking time, a higher one Milk yield and thus can lead to cost savings. The group milking areas in this case preferably have milking, which on the teat shape are adjusted. So can For example, in the group milking area, where animals with a Teat diameters of less than or equal to 20 mm are milked, be equipped with milking machines, the maximum size for this Group are adjusted. Corresponding milking sets are in another Gruppenmelkbereich provided to the animals to be milked there are adjusted.

If the criterion "milk quality, especially cell content" is chosen, then cows containing milk with a cell content of, for example, less than or equal to 100,000 cells per milliliter in a first group milking area are milked and cows are milked with a cell content of greater than 100,000 cells per milliliter in a second Gruppenmelkbereich. The group milking areas may have the same or different numbers of milking stalls. The group milking area, in which animals with a high cell content are milked, can be equipped with additional means by means of which the cleaning, in particular of the milking cups, can take place. In particular, such a group milking area has a backflash system of WestfaliaSurge GmbH. This procedure minimizes or prevents the risk of transmission of udder diseases via the milking cluster from sick or diseased cows to healthy ones, which can lead to a better udder health of the herd and thus to cost savings.

Becomes only one group milking area equipped with a cleaning system, this also reduces the investment costs. Under a cleaning system means and facilities are understood, which not only to Cleaning and / or disinfecting the components of the group milking area understood, but also those that only for flushing the components of the Gruppenmelkbereichs between the milkings of cows used or used.

Furthermore can the individual milking areas are equipped with associated milk collection tanks be so that the milk of the group of animals that over one high cell content and be milked in a Gruppenmelkbereich in the to this Group milking area associated Tank arrives. Milk of the animals, which have a low cell content feature, enters a separate tank leading to the group milking area belongs, where these animals are milked. The advantage of this procedure is also in that a separation of the milk according to the milk quality, in particular the cell content can be done. This also avoids that for example, the milked milk of diseased animals in the Milk tank for Usable milk passes when a group of animals is formed which only contains the animals identified as being ill have been.

According to one yet another advantageous embodiment The method proposes that data or characteristics of a Melkvorgangs recorded or determined and the animal-specific data using the new data will be updated. This also becomes a control animal-specific data.

Of the The present invention is further based on the object to provide an improved device for milking animals.

These The object is achieved by means of a Device for milking animals, in particular cows with the features of claim 10 solved. Advantageous developments and embodiments of the device are the subject of the dependent claims.

The inventive device for milking animals, in particular cows, comprises at least one Sorting by means of which a sorting of animals in at least two groups according to at least one predetermined sort criterion he follows. The device has at least two Gruppenmelkbereiche so that the animals of the groups in the different group milking areas are milkable.

By this embodiment of the invention The device ensures that groups of animals in different Group milking areas are milked, so that a higher effectiveness of the milking plant as such is achieved.

According to one advantageous embodiment of the device is proposed that preferably at least one waiting room for each group milking area is upstream. In the waiting room the animals of the group can be collected become.

To a still further advantageous embodiment of the device It is proposed that at least one animal identification device is provided. In this case, an embodiment is particularly preferred, wherein the animal identification means comprises means for detecting of data from at least one animal.

To a still further advantageous embodiment of the device it is proposed that a control device is provided, which with the sorting device and preferably the animal identification device signal technically connected, so that a sorting preferably automatically done.

Especially preferred is an embodiment of the device in which this has a herd management system.

Further Advantages of the invention will be apparent from the illustrated in the drawings embodiments explains without the subject of the invention to these specific embodiments limited becomes.

It demonstrate:

1 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the method according to the invention, FIG.

2 in a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a device for milking animals,

3 FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of a device, FIG.

4 in a schematic representation of a third embodiment of an apparatus and

5 A fourth embodiment of a device.

In the 1 is shown schematically in a diagram of the sequence of the method according to the invention. Within a large group G or herd is a variety of animals, especially cows. At least one animal-specific information is known. Preferred is a method in which a plurality of animal-specific information is provided. The animals of the large group G who sorted according to predetermined sorting criteria in groups G1 to G4. It is possible that the large group G1 is divided into further groups by further sorting criteria. The group G1 is divided in the illustrated embodiment into three groups G1.1, G1.2 and G1.3 according to predetermined sorting criteria. The group G2 is subdivided into three further groups G2.1, G2.2 and G2.3 according to predetermined sorting criteria. The groups G3 and G4 are not further subdivided in the illustrated embodiment. The animals of group G3 are fed to a milking area MB 12. There is the milking of the individual animals. In the milking area MB13 the animals of group G4 are milked.

The animals of the group G1.1 are fed to the milking areas MB1 and MB2, the animals fed to the group milking area MB1 being sorted out of the group G1.1, while the other animals of the group G1.1 are fed to the milking area MB2. The animals of group G1.2 are further sorted out into two groups, which are fed to the group milking areas MB3 and MB4. The group animals of group G1.3 are fed directly to a group milking area MB5. In a corresponding manner, the animals of the groups G2.1, G2.2 and G2.3 are sorted according to certain sorting criteria and fed to the group milking areas MB6 to MB11. From the representation after the 1 It can be seen that both a horizontal and a vertical sorting of the animals takes place. By including further sorting criteria, the individual groups can be further divided so that groups with a homogeneous stock are fed to the group milking areas.

2 shows schematically the representation of a first embodiment of a device for milking animals. The device comprises two group milking areas 5.1 and 5.2 , which in the illustrated embodiment by a milking pit 4 are separated from each other. The milked milk of the group milking area 5.1 is via a milking line 16.1 with the aid of a milk conveyor 17.1 directed into a milk tank T1. This is done via a milk pressure line 18.1 ,

Also for those in the group milking area 5.2 milked milk is provided to a milk tank T2, via a milk pressure line 18.2 and a milk conveyor 17.2 with a milking line 16.2 connected is.

Not shown are individual milking stations for the animals. The group milking areas 5.1 and 5.2 may have different numbers of milking stalls. However, this is not mandatory. Preferred embodiments are those in which the number of milking stations is substantially the same.

The animals, which are not shown, are in a waiting room 7 in which the animals are collected from the stable or another area of residence. The animals preferably have identification means which are arranged on the ear, neck and / or foot as well as in the bolus. The individual animals arrive via an access 9 to a sorting device 8th , In the access way 9 is an animal recognition device 10 intended. In this case, each animal is recognized and the result of the identification is preferably transmitted to a herd management system, not shown. The herd management system is preferably formed by a data processing system. Within the herd management system, a check is made as to which sorting criterion has been set for the animal currently being recognized and sends a corresponding control signal to the sorting device 8th , The sorting device 8th includes a movable gate through which either the waiting room 1.1 or the waiting room 1.2 is released. If the same sorting criterion has been set for the animal just identified as for the animal previously, then the sorting device remains 8th in the current position. Otherwise, the sorting device is pivoted according to the set sorting criterion in another position. This other position is in the 2 shown in dashed lines. This will be the way to the waiting room 1.2 Approved. In the waiting rooms 1.1 and 1.2 by scaffolding, especially scaffoldings 3 are separated, a group of animals is collected in each case, whose size should preferably correspond at least to the number of milking stations of a Gruppenmelkbereichs, it being particularly preferred if the size of which is divisible by the number of available milking parlors.

One in the 2 not shown device, which after the sorting device 8th is arranged, ensures that the animals the waiting room 1.1 respectively. 1.2 not in the direction of the sorter 8th being able to leave.

About the access door 2.1 respectively. 2.2 The animals come out of the waiting room 1.1 respectively. 1.2 into the group milking area 5.1 respectively. 5.2 , For example, the milked animals leave the group milking areas 5.1 and 5.2 in direction A over the return path 6 and get into the stable.

3 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention. The device has a waiting room 1.1 as well as two waiting rooms 1.2 on. In the illustrated embodiment, the waiting room 1.1 between the waiting rooms 1.2 arranged.

Animals that are in the anteroom 7 are accessed via the access 9 either in the waiting room 1.1 or in the waiting room 1.2 , From the representation after the 3 it can be seen that two access routes 9 are provided. In every access way 9 is in each case a sorting device 8th intended. Within the access path is also located in each case a preferably stationary detection unit 10 to identify the animals when they leave the waiting room 7 in the direction of the sorting device 8th walk. A herd management system checks which sorting criterion has been set for the currently recognized animal and sends a corresponding control signal to the sorting device in question 8th , In the illustrated embodiment, the waiting room 1.1 Approved. Shall the following animal in the waiting room 1.2 sorted, then the sorting device 8th operated accordingly. The operation of the two sorting devices 8th can be done independently, so that a faster division or sorting of animals can be done.

The waiting room 1.1 has a swiveling exit gate 12 on, which is shown in the open state. The exit gate 12 is preferably connected to a control device, which is not shown, so that the output port 12 is essentially automatically actuated. In the position shown gives the exit gate 12 clear the way and that from the waiting room 1.1 to the group milking area 5.2 , The way there is preferably by Leitgerüste 3 limited and designed so that the animals can not leave after entering the milking area.

The waiting room 1.2 has an exit gate 11 which is also preferably automatically actuated. The animals that are in the right waiting room 1.2 can be located over the opened exit gate 11 into the group milking area 5.1 reach. This also applies to the animals of the left waiting room 1.2 when the exit gate 13 and at the same time access to the group milking area 5.2 is closed. In the illustrated embodiment, the exit gate closes 13 this access. This is not mandatory. It is also possible to provide another gate, which is independent of the exit gate 13 or exit gate 12 is operable. The animals of the waiting rooms 1.2 can now enter the group milking area 5.1 reach.

The group milking areas 5.1 and 5.2 may have the same number of milking stalls. The milking machines can be designed differently, for example, if the animals of the groups in the waiting rooms 1.1 and 1.2 have been collected, have different teat diameters.

A still further embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown schematically in FIG 4 shown. There are two waiting rooms 1.1 and 1.2 provided, from which the animals over the exits 2.1 and 2.2 to the group milking areas 5.1 and 5.2 can reach. On the way there, appropriate facilities may be provided so that the animals may selectively or more enter the milking areas.

In front of the waiting rooms 1.1 and 1.2 is a waiting room 7 from which the animals are sorted into the groups. There are two accesses 9 intended. The animals go through in the entrances 9 one animal detection each 10 , Animal recognition recognizes every animal. The result of the identification is transmitted to a herd management system, which is not shown. Sorting criteria are stored in the herd management system. On the animal identification 10 follows a sorting device 8th , The sorting device is addressed by a controller, not shown.

If the same sorting criterion has been set for the animal just identified as for the animal previously, then the sorting device remains in its position. Otherwise, it will be swiveled to a different position according to the selected sort criterion. From the representation of 4 it is apparent that additional goals 14 . 15 are provided. The sorting facilities 8th and the gates 14 . 15 are operated in such a way that regardless of which way an animal walks, it enters the waiting room 1.1 or in the waiting room 1.2 is directed. For example, an animal enters the corridor 9 on the right and should this animal in the waiting room 1.1 arrive, so will the gate 14 to the waiting room 1.1 open. The gate 15 to the waiting room 1.2 will be closed. This also applies to the sorting device 8th so that the animal crosses the aisle 9 and the transverse corridor to the control room room 1.1 can get.

Not shown devices, which after sorting 8th are arranged, make sure that the animals the waiting room 1.1 or 1.2 can not leave in the direction of the sorter. The operation of the gates 14 and 15 takes place by means of an automatic control, not shown, which also for controlling the sorting device 8th serves.

5 shows schematically a device for milking animals, which is particularly suitable for very large herds. This device has two Gruppenmelkbereiche, these Gruppenmelkbereiche are each suitable for a group and are used so that animals can be milked on both sides of the aisle.

The animals, which in a Vorewarteraum 7 are, are by means of a sorter after passing through the aisle 9 and animal identification by means of animal identification 10 either in the waiting room 1.1 or in the waiting room 1.2 guided. The animals of the group, located in the waiting room 1.1 are located above the access doors 2.1 into the milking areas 5.1 directed.

Accordingly, the animals of the group who are in the waiting room 1.2 milked. These pass through the access doors 2.2 into the group milking area 5.2 ,

So can For example, animals that require, for example, a longer milking time, held back to constant the speed of rotation of the system keep or adapt.

It there is also the possibility To withhold animals with particular milk constituents or cell content, so that the milk during the discharge from the milking system with the help of be supplied from electrical valves to a separate tank can.

1.1

waiting room

1.2

waiting room

2.1

access door

2.2

access door

3

conductive structure

4

milking pit

5.1

milking

5.2

milking

6

Rücktriebsweg

7

Vorwarteraum

8th

sorter

9

Access

10

Animal identification device

11

swiveling output gate

12

swiveling output gate

13

swiveling output gate

14

swiveling gate

15

swiveling gate

16.1

milk line

16.2

milk line

17.1

Milk conveyor

17.2

Milk conveyor

18.1

Milk pressure line

18.2

Milk pressure line

A

direction Cows to barn

B

direction Cows to milking

T1

milk tank

T2

milk tank

Claims (15)

Method for milking animals, in particular of cows, comprising the following steps a) Provide at least animal-specific information of the animals; b) sorting of the animals in at least two groups according to at least one predetermined The sort; c) milking the animals of the groups in different Gruppenmelkbereichen. The method of claim 1, wherein the animals are at least a group subjected to at least one further sorting process become. The method of claim 1 or 3, wherein the animals the respective group are transferred to a waiting room. A method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the sorting a preferably automatic animal identification takes place. The method of claim 4, wherein the animal recognition contactless he follows. The method of claims 3 and 4 or 5, wherein each Waiting room preferably upstream of an automatic sorter is. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one sorting criterion from the animal-specific data is derived. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one sorting criterion is selected from the group of criteria, teat geometry, in particular teat diameter, udder shape, milkability, milking performance, milking time, lactation status, reproduction status, animal breed, milk quality, in particular Cell content; Health condition, milk ingredients. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which data or characteristics of a Milking process detected or determined and the animal-specific data to be updated. Device for milking animals, in particular of cows, comprising at least one sorting device by means of which one Sorting the animals in at least two groups after at least one given sorting criterion and at least two Gruppenmelkbereiche, so that the animals of the groups in the different group milking areas are milkable. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that that preferably at least one group milking area Waiting room is arranged upstream. Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized that at least one animal identification device is provided. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the animal identification device comprises means for detecting Has data of at least one animal. Apparatus according to claim 11, 12 or 13, characterized by a control device which with the sorting and preferably the animal identification device by signal technology connected is. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims 11 to 14, characterized in that a herd management system is provided, which is connected to the control device is.