EP1204863A1 - Method and system for electronically examining animals such as cows - Google Patents

Method and system for electronically examining animals such as cows

Info

Publication number
EP1204863A1
EP1204863A1 EP00953587A EP00953587A EP1204863A1 EP 1204863 A1 EP1204863 A1 EP 1204863A1 EP 00953587 A EP00953587 A EP 00953587A EP 00953587 A EP00953587 A EP 00953587A EP 1204863 A1 EP1204863 A1 EP 1204863A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
milk
electronic nose
odor
computer
animal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP00953587A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Pieter Lieuwe Roosenschoon
Albertino Bernardo Maria Verstege
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nederlandsche Apparatenfabriek NEDAP NV
Original Assignee
Nederlandsche Apparatenfabriek NEDAP NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nederlandsche Apparatenfabriek NEDAP NV filed Critical Nederlandsche Apparatenfabriek NEDAP NV
Publication of EP1204863A1 publication Critical patent/EP1204863A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/0004—Gaseous mixtures, e.g. polluted air
    • G01N33/0009—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment
    • G01N33/0027—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment concerning the detector
    • G01N33/0031—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment concerning the detector comprising two or more sensors, e.g. a sensor array

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a method for electronically examining milk-producing animals such as cows. This invention also relates to a system for carrying out such method.
  • a method and system for electronically examining milk-producing animals such as cows are known per se.
  • it is known to measure the conductivity of raw milk from an animal with the aid of sensors with the objective of determining whether the animal is possibly suffering from a particular disease such as mastitis. If the conductivity of the milk exceeds a particular threshold, it can be assumed that an udder of the animal is infected.
  • a disadvantage is that it is not clear what type of bacterium is the cause of the infection. As a result, it is less efficiently possible to control the infection and it is not immediately clear whether the milk is suitable for consumption any longer.
  • a further disadvantage is that the conductivity measurement is not an accurate indication of a possible infection.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a solution to the disadvantages mentioned.
  • the method according to the invention is characterized in that with the aid of at least one electronic nose an odor is detected of raw milk coming from the at least one animal to be examined, while the electronic nose determines a signal representing the detected odor; and that the signal is supplied to a computer for further processing and analysis of the detected odor.
  • the invention is based on the insight that in this way in a highly accurate manner the animals can be examined, for instance, for an infection of the udder. In particular, it is thus possible to determine which bacteria are present in the raw milk. It can thus be accurately established, for instance, whether the animal is possibly suffering from mastitis and which bacteria are the cause of this.
  • at least one electronic nose is contacted with air coming from the raw milk of the animal for detecting the odor.
  • the odor of milk is detected per quarter of the udder of the animal from which the milk originates, for further processing with the aid of the computer. In this way it is even possible to determine which quarter of the udder is possibly infected.
  • the method according to the invention is suitable for laboratory application, but in addition also particularly suitable to be carried out on the farm.
  • the computer and the electronic nose can then be designed as a stand-alone unit by means of which the farmer can, periodically or whenever he has doubts about the health of the animal, in this case a cow, perform an odor analysis on the basis of raw milk from the cow.
  • the at least one electronic nose is incorporated in a milking plant or a milking robot. This enables on-line analysis of the milk from cows which have just been milked.
  • the at least one electronic nose can then, for instance, be incorporated in a milk tank, milk line, milk claw or teat cup of the milking robot or milking plant.
  • the system according to the invention is characterized in that the system at least comprises an electronic nose for detecting an odor from raw milk coming from the at least one animal to be examined, while the electronic nose determines a signal representing the detected odor; and that the system further comprises at least one computer to which the signal is fed, which computer is arranged for further processing and analysis of the detected odor.
  • Fig. 1 shows a system according to the invention for carrying out a method according to the invention.
  • the system 1 for electronically examining milk-producing animals such as cows at least comprises an electronic nose 2 and a computer 4 which is connected via a line 6 with the electronic nose 2.
  • the electronic nose 2 is an electronic nose that is known per se and can comprise, for instance, multiple gas sensors 8.1, 8.2, .... to 8.n each arranged to deliver a signal when they come into contact with a predetermined odor.
  • the signals generated by the individual gas sensors 8.1 to 8.n are supplied via line 6 to the computer 4.
  • the gas sensor 2 is placed above raw milk 10 originating from the animal to be examined. It is also possible that air is extracted above the milk in question to be subsequently passed along the sensor. Accordingly, the at least one electronic nose is contacted with air coming from an amount of the raw milk coming from the animal, for detecting the odor.
  • the raw milk 10 is located in a housing 12 which, according to the invention, can consist of a multiplicity of different objects and/or parts of machines, as will be set out hereinafter.
  • a housing 12 which, according to the invention, can consist of a multiplicity of different objects and/or parts of machines, as will be set out hereinafter.
  • a signal is generated which in this example comprises the signals from the individual gas sensors 8.1 to 8.n.
  • This signal is supplied to the computer 4 for further processing and analysis of the odor of the raw milk as determined by means of the electronic nose.
  • mastitis infection in the udder of the cow can be established.
  • Early diagnosis of a mastitis infection in dairy stock can lead to a high degree of prevention and amelioration of the quality.
  • Low concentrations of mastitis causing bacteria can be detected in the milk.
  • These mastitis causing bacteria cause the milk to acquire an odor which is known per se and depends on the type of bacterium.
  • the animal can be subjected to preventive treatment in order that it does not get mastitis.
  • the infection is already present, the animal can be treated at an early stage.
  • the types of bacteria that can thus be detected are, for instance, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus uberis and others.
  • the odor from milk is detected per quarter of the udder of the animal from which the milk derives, for further processing by means of the computer.
  • the milk sensor 2 can, for instance, be included in the line to the teat cup or in the teat cup of a milking robot or milking plant.
  • the housing 12 schematically shows in Fig. 1 the line in question to the teat cup and the teat cup.
  • the odor of raw milk is analyzed per quarter and for each quarter of an udder, as shown in Fig. 2.
  • a connection to the electronic nose 2.1 - 2.4 is included in each milk line/cup 12.1 - 12.4 which is connected with a milk claw of a milking robot.
  • the electronic noses 2.1 — 2.4 are each connected via lines 6 with the computer 4 and are, for instance, identical to the electronic nose 2 of Fig. 1.
  • the odor of milk coming from a plurality of quarters of an udder of the animal is detected with the aid of the electronic nose for further processing by means of the computer 2.
  • the raw milk therefore consists of a mixture coming from each of the quarters of the udder of the animal.
  • the housing 12 can then be formed, for instance, by a milk collecting chamber of the milking robot, known per se, as schematically shown in Fig. 1.
  • the odor of milk coming from a plurality of animals is detected by means of the at least one electronic nose for further processing by the computer.
  • the housing 12 consists, for instance, of a known milk tank of a milking robot in which the milk of the animals is collected.
  • the electronic nose 2, 2.1 - 2.4 consists, as set out hereinbefore, for instance, of a plurality of sensors 8.1 to 8.n. These sensors can be so designed that the sensors are respectively sensitive to mutually different odors. In this way, an odor spectrum of the raw milk can be determined.
  • the computer on the basis of the signal determined by the electronic nose 2, 2.1 — 2.4, the presence of a number of predetermined odors can be determined.
  • sensor 8.1 can generate the signals when a predetermined first odor is present, while the sensor 8.2 generates a signal when the predetermined second odor is present. All this holds analogously for the sensors 8.3 - 8.n.
  • the computer 4 can be so arranged that it indicates which of the sensors 8.1 to 8.n generates a signal that is above particular predetermined values. If the signal of, for instance, sensor 8.i lies above a predetermined value, it can be concluded that the predetermined odor associated with the sensor 8.i is released by the raw milk.
  • preventive measures can be taken to prevent mastitis or measures can be taken to cure the animal.
  • the raw milk is examined per udder of the animal. If the computer finds that particular types of bacteria are present in the raw milk coming from the respective udder, a further examination can tell which of the quarters is possibly infected. As said, it is also possible to examine the milk contained in a tank of the milking robot. If, with the aid of the odor sensor, this milk is found to contain particular types of bacteria, the cattle that has been milked can be further examined to determine which animal is infected.
  • the method can preferably be carried out on the farm.
  • the apparatus as shown in Fig. 1 can then be part of a milking robot as described hereinbefore.
  • the computer 4 can also be a part of a farm computer 14, known per se.
  • still other data of the animals are present, such as their feeding behavior, the milk yield per animal, the conductivity of the milk of the animal, etc.
  • these data can be processed in combination with the data of the computer 4.
  • the apparatus according to Fig. 1 can also be used per milk stand.
  • each milk stand is provided with an apparatus according to Fig. 1, with the housing 12 being formed, for instance, by a milk claw of the respective milk stand.
  • the invention is not limited in any way to the exemplary embodiments and forms of application outlined hereinbefore.
  • the computer can, for instance, be arranged such that on the basis of the presence of one predetermined odor and/or presence of a predetermined combination of a predetermined number of odors, it is concluded that a particular bacterium and/or other relevant constituents in the milk, such as, for instance, acetone, progesterone, etc., and/or a predetermined combination thereof are present in the raw milk.
  • the types of bacteria to be possibly detected can be designated, for instance, by Bi, B 2 , B 3 , ...B m .
  • the number bj can indicate to what extent the bacterium B 3 is present in the raw milk, or if the amount of bacteria B j present in the raw milk exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
  • the vector B (bi, b 2 , b 3 , ...b m ) can then be designated as the bacterial spectrum.
  • A is n x m matrix whose matrices Aij can be determined experimentally.
  • the odor spectrum can also serve for detecting diseases, for instance, metabolic diseases, such as, inter alia, acetonemia (acetone smell), TB, etc.
  • odor spectra can give information about reproductive stages of the cow, for instance whether or not the animals are estrous/in heat. Another option is smelling other parameters that tell something about the status (health, reproduction, etc.) of the animal.
  • the detector can therefore also be designed for obtaining information about the health and/or fertility of the animal.
  • the apparatus according to Fig. 1 may also be designed as a stand-alone unit. The farmer can then place the odor sensor 2 above the raw milk 10 to examine it.
  • a sample of raw milk can take a sample of raw milk and deposit it in a random reservoir 12, such as, for instance, a cup.
  • a random reservoir 12 such as, for instance, a cup.
  • the apparatus is also applicable outside the farm, as in a laboratory.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Electric Means (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Fluid Adsorption Or Reactions (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a system for electronically examining milk-producing animals such as cows. With the aid of at least one electronic nose, an odor is detected of raw milk which originates from the animal to be examined, such as a cow. The electronic nose generates a signal representing the detected odor. This signal is supplied to the computer for further processing and analysis of the detected odor.

Description

Title: Method and system for electronically examining animals such as cows
This invention relates to a method for electronically examining milk-producing animals such as cows. This invention also relates to a system for carrying out such method.
A method and system for electronically examining milk-producing animals such as cows are known per se. Thus, it is known to measure the conductivity of raw milk from an animal with the aid of sensors with the objective of determining whether the animal is possibly suffering from a particular disease such as mastitis. If the conductivity of the milk exceeds a particular threshold, it can be assumed that an udder of the animal is infected. A disadvantage, however, is that it is not clear what type of bacterium is the cause of the infection. As a result, it is less efficiently possible to control the infection and it is not immediately clear whether the milk is suitable for consumption any longer. A further disadvantage is that the conductivity measurement is not an accurate indication of a possible infection.
The object of the invention is to provide a solution to the disadvantages mentioned.
Accordingly, the method according to the invention is characterized in that with the aid of at least one electronic nose an odor is detected of raw milk coming from the at least one animal to be examined, while the electronic nose determines a signal representing the detected odor; and that the signal is supplied to a computer for further processing and analysis of the detected odor. The invention is based on the insight that in this way in a highly accurate manner the animals can be examined, for instance, for an infection of the udder. In particular, it is thus possible to determine which bacteria are present in the raw milk. It can thus be accurately established, for instance, whether the animal is possibly suffering from mastitis and which bacteria are the cause of this. In particular, at least one electronic nose is contacted with air coming from the raw milk of the animal for detecting the odor.
Preferably, with the aid of the at least one electronic nose the odor of milk is detected per quarter of the udder of the animal from which the milk originates, for further processing with the aid of the computer. In this way it is even possible to determine which quarter of the udder is possibly infected.
The method according to the invention is suitable for laboratory application, but in addition also particularly suitable to be carried out on the farm. The computer and the electronic nose can then be designed as a stand-alone unit by means of which the farmer can, periodically or whenever he has doubts about the health of the animal, in this case a cow, perform an odor analysis on the basis of raw milk from the cow. It is also possible, however, that the at least one electronic nose is incorporated in a milking plant or a milking robot. This enables on-line analysis of the milk from cows which have just been milked. The at least one electronic nose can then, for instance, be incorporated in a milk tank, milk line, milk claw or teat cup of the milking robot or milking plant. The system according to the invention is characterized in that the system at least comprises an electronic nose for detecting an odor from raw milk coming from the at least one animal to be examined, while the electronic nose determines a signal representing the detected odor; and that the system further comprises at least one computer to which the signal is fed, which computer is arranged for further processing and analysis of the detected odor.
The invention will presently be further elucidated with reference to the drawing. In the drawing:
Fig. 1 shows a system according to the invention for carrying out a method according to the invention. The system 1 for electronically examining milk-producing animals such as cows at least comprises an electronic nose 2 and a computer 4 which is connected via a line 6 with the electronic nose 2.
The electronic nose 2 is an electronic nose that is known per se and can comprise, for instance, multiple gas sensors 8.1, 8.2, .... to 8.n each arranged to deliver a signal when they come into contact with a predetermined odor. The signals generated by the individual gas sensors 8.1 to 8.n are supplied via line 6 to the computer 4. In use, the gas sensor 2 is placed above raw milk 10 originating from the animal to be examined. It is also possible that air is extracted above the milk in question to be subsequently passed along the sensor. Accordingly, the at least one electronic nose is contacted with air coming from an amount of the raw milk coming from the animal, for detecting the odor. In this example, the raw milk 10 is located in a housing 12 which, according to the invention, can consist of a multiplicity of different objects and/or parts of machines, as will be set out hereinafter. By means of the electronic nose, therefore, an odor of the raw milk is detected, more particularly the presence of a number of predetermined odors.
Also, with the aid of the electronic nose 2, on line 6 a signal is generated which in this example comprises the signals from the individual gas sensors 8.1 to 8.n. This signal is supplied to the computer 4 for further processing and analysis of the odor of the raw milk as determined by means of the electronic nose.
Thus, for instance, mastitis infection in the udder of the cow can be established. Early diagnosis of a mastitis infection in dairy stock can lead to a high degree of prevention and amelioration of the quality. Low concentrations of mastitis causing bacteria can be detected in the milk. These mastitis causing bacteria cause the milk to acquire an odor which is known per se and depends on the type of bacterium. When thus in an early stage particular types of bacteria are detected by means of the electronic nose, the animal can be subjected to preventive treatment in order that it does not get mastitis. When the infection is already present, the animal can be treated at an early stage.
The types of bacteria that can thus be detected are, for instance, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus uberis and others.
Preferably, with the aid of the at least one electronic nose 4 the odor from milk is detected per quarter of the udder of the animal from which the milk derives, for further processing by means of the computer. Thus it can be established exactly which quarter of the udder of the animal is possibly infected with a particular bacterium. In that case, the milk sensor 2 can, for instance, be included in the line to the teat cup or in the teat cup of a milking robot or milking plant. The housing 12 schematically shows in Fig. 1 the line in question to the teat cup and the teat cup.
In particular, the odor of raw milk is analyzed per quarter and for each quarter of an udder, as shown in Fig. 2. In that example, preferably, in each milk line/cup 12.1 - 12.4 which is connected with a milk claw of a milking robot, a connection to the electronic nose 2.1 - 2.4 is included. The electronic noses 2.1 — 2.4 are each connected via lines 6 with the computer 4 and are, for instance, identical to the electronic nose 2 of Fig. 1.
It is also possible that the odor of milk coming from a plurality of quarters of an udder of the animal is detected with the aid of the electronic nose for further processing by means of the computer 2. In that case, the raw milk therefore consists of a mixture coming from each of the quarters of the udder of the animal. The housing 12 can then be formed, for instance, by a milk collecting chamber of the milking robot, known per se, as schematically shown in Fig. 1. In another variant, the odor of milk coming from a plurality of animals is detected by means of the at least one electronic nose for further processing by the computer. In that case, the housing 12 consists, for instance, of a known milk tank of a milking robot in which the milk of the animals is collected.
The electronic nose 2, 2.1 - 2.4 consists, as set out hereinbefore, for instance, of a plurality of sensors 8.1 to 8.n. These sensors can be so designed that the sensors are respectively sensitive to mutually different odors. In this way, an odor spectrum of the raw milk can be determined. By means of the computer, on the basis of the signal determined by the electronic nose 2, 2.1 — 2.4, the presence of a number of predetermined odors can be determined. Thus, for instance, sensor 8.1 can generate the signals when a predetermined first odor is present, while the sensor 8.2 generates a signal when the predetermined second odor is present. All this holds analogously for the sensors 8.3 - 8.n. The computer 4 can be so arranged that it indicates which of the sensors 8.1 to 8.n generates a signal that is above particular predetermined values. If the signal of, for instance, sensor 8.i lies above a predetermined value, it can be concluded that the predetermined odor associated with the sensor 8.i is released by the raw milk.
Since particular types of bacteria release particular characteristic odors or spectra when they are contained in raw milk, it can be determined in this way with the computer which bacteria, or other relevant constituents in the milk, such as, for instance, acetone, progesterone, etc., are possibly present in the raw milk. Accordingly, with the computer, on the basis of the signal of the electronic nose, the presence of at least one predetermined type of bacterium or other constituents in raw milk can be determined. More particularly, it can thus be established whether the animal is infected and thus runs the risk of getting mastitis, or has mastitis already. When by means of the odor sensor the raw milk is examined per quarter, it can be determined for each quarter whether it is infected. If it is, preventive measures can be taken to prevent mastitis or measures can be taken to cure the animal. As said, it is also possible that the raw milk is examined per udder of the animal. If the computer finds that particular types of bacteria are present in the raw milk coming from the respective udder, a further examination can tell which of the quarters is possibly infected. As said, it is also possible to examine the milk contained in a tank of the milking robot. If, with the aid of the odor sensor, this milk is found to contain particular types of bacteria, the cattle that has been milked can be further examined to determine which animal is infected.
The method can preferably be carried out on the farm. The apparatus as shown in Fig. 1 can then be part of a milking robot as described hereinbefore. In that example, the computer 4 can also be a part of a farm computer 14, known per se. In the farm computer 14, still other data of the animals are present, such as their feeding behavior, the milk yield per animal, the conductivity of the milk of the animal, etc. To obtain a still better picture of the health of the animals, these data can be processed in combination with the data of the computer 4. The apparatus according to Fig. 1 can also be used per milk stand.
In that case, each milk stand is provided with an apparatus according to Fig. 1, with the housing 12 being formed, for instance, by a milk claw of the respective milk stand. In this way, the examination of the animal can be carried out during milking. The invention is not limited in any way to the exemplary embodiments and forms of application outlined hereinbefore. The computer can, for instance, be arranged such that on the basis of the presence of one predetermined odor and/or presence of a predetermined combination of a predetermined number of odors, it is concluded that a particular bacterium and/or other relevant constituents in the milk, such as, for instance, acetone, progesterone, etc., and/or a predetermined combination thereof are present in the raw milk. The odors to which the sensors 8.1 to 8.n are sensitive can be designated, for instance, by Gi, G2, to Gn. Further, it can be indicated by the number g, (i = 1, 2, ...n) in what measure the odor Gi is present, or the extent to which the odor Gi is present in excess of a particular threshold value. The detected odor spectrum can then be expressed in the vector G = (g1; g2, g3, gi, gn).
The types of bacteria to be possibly detected can be designated, for instance, by Bi, B2, B3, ...Bm. The number bj can indicate to what extent the bacterium B3 is present in the raw milk, or if the amount of bacteria Bj present in the raw milk exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The vector B = (bi, b2, b3, ...bm) can then be designated as the bacterial spectrum. The relation between the odor spectrum G and the bacterial spectrum B can be expressed in the following matrix multiplication: B = A . G
Wherein A is n x m matrix whose matrices Aij can be determined experimentally. The odor spectrum can also serve for detecting diseases, for instance, metabolic diseases, such as, inter alia, acetonemia (acetone smell), TB, etc. Also, odor spectra can give information about reproductive stages of the cow, for instance whether or not the animals are estrous/in heat. Another option is smelling other parameters that tell something about the status (health, reproduction, etc.) of the animal. The detector can therefore also be designed for obtaining information about the health and/or fertility of the animal. Further, the apparatus according to Fig. 1 may also be designed as a stand-alone unit. The farmer can then place the odor sensor 2 above the raw milk 10 to examine it. To that end, he can take a sample of raw milk and deposit it in a random reservoir 12, such as, for instance, a cup. Such variants are all understood to fall within the scope of the invention . The apparatus is also applicable outside the farm, as in a laboratory.

Claims

1. A method for electronically examining milk-producing animals such as, inter alia, cows, characterized in that with the aid of at least one electronic nose an odor is detected of raw milk coming from the at least one animal to be examined, while the electronic nose determines a signal representing the detected odor; and that the signal is supplied to a computer for further processing and analysis of the detected odor.
2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one electronic nose is contacted with air coming from an amount of the raw milk coming from the animal, for detecting the odor.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that with the aid of the at least one electronic nose the odor of milk is detected per quarter of the udder of the animal from which the milk derives, for further processing with the aid of the computer.
4. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the odor of milk coming from each quarter is detected per quarter by means of the at least one electronic nose for further processing with the computer.
5. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the odor of milk coming from a plurality of quarters of an udder of the animal is detected with the aid of the at least one electronic nose for further processing by the computer.
6. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the odor of milk coming from a plurality of animals is detected by means of the at least one electronic nose for further processing with the computer.
7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic nose consists of a plurality of sensors which are sensitive to mutually different odors for determining an odor spectrum of the raw milk.
8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that with the aid of the computer on the basis of the signal of the at least one electronic nose the presence of at least one predetermined odor is determined.
9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that with the aid of the computer on the basis of the signal of the at least one electronic nose the presence of at least one predetermined type of bacterium/constituents in the raw milk is determined.
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the basis of the signal of the at least one electronic nose, it is determined with the aid of the computer whether the animal is infected with a mastitis causing bacterium.
11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method is carried out on the farm or in the laboratory.
12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one electronic nose is incorporated in a milking robot.
13. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one electronic nose is incorporated in a milk tank, milk line, milk claw, or a teat cup of the milking plant/milking robot.
14. A method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the method is carried out during milking of the animal.
15. A method according to any one of the preceding claims 1-13, characterized in that the method is carried out after milking of the animal.
16. A system for electronically examining milk-producin animals such as cows, characterized in that the system at least comprises an electronic nose for detecting an odor of raw milk which originates from the at least one animal to be examined, while the electronic nose determines a signal representing the detected odor; and that the system further comprises at least one computer to which the signal is supplied, which computer is arranged for further processing and analysis of the detected odor.
17. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection is carried out for obtaining information about the health and/or fertility of the animal.
18. A system according to claim 16, characterized in that, in use, the at least one electronic nose is contacted with air coming from an amount of the raw milk coming from the animal, for detecting the odor.
19. A system according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the electronic nose consists of a plurality of sensors that are sensitive to mutually different odors for detecting an odor spectrum of the raw milk which is represented by the signal.
20. A system according to any one of the preceding claims 16 -18, characterized in that the computer is arranged to determine, on the basis of the signal of the at least one electronic nose, the presence of at least one predetermined odor.
21. A system according to any one of the preceding claims 16-19, characterized in that the computer is arranged to determine, on the basis of the signal of the at least one electronic nose, the presence of at least one predetermined type of bacterium or other relevant constituent in the milk, such as, for instance, acetone, progesterone, etc., in the raw milk.
22. A system according to any one of the preceding claims 16-20, characterized in that the computer is arranged to determine, on the basis of the signal from the at least one electronic nose, whether the animal is possibly suffering from mastitis.
23. A system according to any one of the preceding claims 16-21, characterized in that the system is designed as an independently functioning stand-alone unit.
24. A system according to any one of the preceding claims 16-21, characterized in that the at least one electronic nose is incorporated in a milking robot.
25. A system according to claim 23, characterized in that the at least one electronic nose is incorporated in a milk tank, milk line, milk claw, or teat cup of the milking robot.
26. A system according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, in use, the computer further processes the signal on-line during milking of the animal.
EP00953587A 1999-08-19 2000-08-21 Method and system for electronically examining animals such as cows Withdrawn EP1204863A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL1012863 1999-08-19
NL1012863A NL1012863C2 (en) 1999-08-19 1999-08-19 Method and system for the electronic examination of animals such as cows.
PCT/NL2000/000579 WO2001014874A1 (en) 1999-08-19 2000-08-21 Method and system for electronically examining animals such as cows

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1204863A1 true EP1204863A1 (en) 2002-05-15

Family

ID=19769755

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00953587A Withdrawn EP1204863A1 (en) 1999-08-19 2000-08-21 Method and system for electronically examining animals such as cows

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1204863A1 (en)
AU (1) AU6601200A (en)
NL (1) NL1012863C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2001014874A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107064238A (en) * 2017-03-31 2017-08-18 浙江大学 A kind of portability tea perfume detection electric nasus system and its detection method

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3366331A1 (en) * 2017-02-28 2018-08-29 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Breast pump device comprising a volatile component analysis system

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB9224404D0 (en) * 1992-11-20 1993-01-13 Silsoe Research Inst Examination of ruminant animals
FR2710153B1 (en) * 1993-09-17 1995-12-01 Alpha Mos Sa Methods and apparatus for detecting odorous substances and applications.

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO0114874A1 *

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107064238A (en) * 2017-03-31 2017-08-18 浙江大学 A kind of portability tea perfume detection electric nasus system and its detection method
CN107064238B (en) * 2017-03-31 2019-05-24 浙江大学 A kind of portability tea perfume detection electric nasus system and its detection method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU6601200A (en) 2001-03-19
NL1012863C2 (en) 2001-02-20
WO2001014874A1 (en) 2001-03-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
Forsbäck et al. Day-to-day variation in milk yield and milk composition at the udder-quarter level
EP1164832B1 (en) An implement for detecting physical abnormalities in milk
EP1520471B1 (en) A device for monitoring an animal
DE69937757T2 (en) Device for automatic feeding of animals
EP2144495A1 (en) Teat preparation station and method for teat preparation
Gerardi et al. Use of serum amyloid A and milk amyloid A in the diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows
Svennersten-Sjaunja et al. Use of regular milking records versus daily records for nutrition and other kinds of management
Bezman et al. Influence of intramammary infection of a single gland in dairy cows on the cow's milk quality
US8387564B2 (en) Controlling a dairy stable
Hillerton Detecting mastitis at cow-side
AU2009243409B2 (en) Sensor apparatus for extraction machinery for milking mammals
Seifu et al. Potential of lactoperoxidase to diagnose subclinical mastitis in goats
Marquez et al. Evaluating automated infrared thermography and vulva exposure tracking as components of an estrus detection platform in a commercial dairy herd
Hanuš et al. Analyse of relationships between some milk indicators of cow energy metabolism and ketosis state.
WO2001014874A1 (en) Method and system for electronically examining animals such as cows
Malašauskienė et al. Changes in the inline lactate dehydrogenase according to the cow’s production and reproduction status
Alkhouly et al. Evaluation and Comparison of four screening tests against Milk culture for detection of subclinical mastitis in lactating cattle and Buffalo in Egypt
Elmoslemany et al. Seasonal variations of raw milk hygienic quality in Saudi Arabia dairy herds.
Vinsoun et al. Cattle Teats’ Milk Quality and Prevalence of Mastitis by Electronic Mastitis Detector in Burkina Faso
Chandra et al. Epidemiological studies on somatic cell count and subclinical mastitis in buffaloes of Puducherry, India
US7033836B1 (en) Mastitis detection method
Chaudhary et al. Level and status of selected minerals in Surti buffalo milk and its alcohol stability
Barth et al. Monitoring of quarter health status by periodic milk conductivity measurement: a useful management tool in dairy herds
Wiedemann et al. The use of spectral photometry for detection of mastitis milk
SU1591900A1 (en) Method of determining stress-resistance of cow

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20020219

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): DE FR GB NL

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20050301