Method and milking arrangement for guiding animal traffic

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for influencing the traffic flow of animals (1), which method is at least partially automated, and to a milking plant having these method features. According to the method, a guidance unit (4) can be automatically adjusted depending on the animal density in at least one predefinable detection area (2.1, 2.2), which guidance unit allows, simplifies or prevents the passage of the animals through a passage (8). According to an advantageous embodiment, the operation of the cow drive and the milking carousel is also influenced on the basis of the detected data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject of this invention is a method for guiding animal traffic and a milking apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] On farms, animals often have to traverse distances between different areas more or less independently. In many cases, animals are trained or instinctively feel the need to walk, for example, to feed stations or milking facilities. Various auxiliary mechanisms and traffic guidance systems are known to guide and, if necessary, these processes. Thus, a device for guiding animal traffic, in conjunction with a milking station, is known by WO2015 / 177269A1. The milking station preferably has multiple milking areas equipped with an automated milking system (AMS), which preferably operates fully automatically. It is also possible for the milking station to include at least one semi-automatic or manual milking area. Animals may seek out the milking station, either individually or in groups.

[0003] Especially in the case of guided animal traffic, animals are typically driven in one direction, for example, by means of cow herders or acoustic and / or optical signals. These processes are usually initiated intentionally by personnel. For this, it is first necessary to observe how many animals are lingering in which areas of the farm and what kind of traffic flow is expected, such as traffic to the milking station. Personnel can then initiate appropriate measures, such as calling or selectively enticing or driving individual animals and opening or closing gates. This must occur simultaneously with other operational processes, such as milking and cleaning.

[0004] Since guiding animal traffic to designated areas, especially milking areas, often requires active human intervention, this is associated with increased human burden or expenditure.

[0005] Furthermore, animals within a group or fauna have different ranks. Depending on the rank, lower-ranking animals behave differently when encountering higher-ranking animals.

[0006] In guiding animal traffic, the aim is to initiate specific actions using measurable parameters. For example, in areas where a particularly large number of animals linger in a small space, creating the possibility for at least individual animals to leave the area can alleviate the situation. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of this invention is to overcome, at least in part, the disadvantages known from the prior art. This object is achieved through the features of this invention.

[0008] By automatically identifying a wide variety of scenarios using the proposed method, specific measures can be automatically initiated. Such scenarios could be, for example, cows pushing and shoving in one area, followed by a cow pile-up, while in another area there is ample space between cows. Another scenario is generally low animal density, which, for example, can cause animals to feel no incentive to leave the waiting area.

[0009] One measure is to selectively allow or block traffic flow. This is achieved by placing guide units in specific locations within the passageways through which animals are expected to pass. This allows animals to be blocked in the area in front of the passageway or to be able to leave the passageway smoothly. The case-specific settings of the guide units can be implemented without human intervention.

[0010] Animal density, i.e., the number of animals on a specific surface, serves as a basis for evaluating a scene. First, animal density must be detected. For this, a detection area can be defined within which the number of animals is measured. This detection area can be constructed statically, such as in a transition area between a waiting area and a passageway, or it can be constructed dynamically, such as in a constant number of square meters in front of a moving cow herder.

[0011] The method provides possibilities for detecting animal density, which can be used individually or in combination to automatically influence animal traffic, at least partially, based on the data. For this purpose, appropriate detection units capable of being combined with other detection units are used. The detection units can be optical or wireless electronic systems; furthermore, the detection units can, for example, consist of multiple trampling sensors.

[0012] Optical detection systems, which can be, for example, cameras, laser systems, or detection systems based on photocell technology, can be used to detect where and how many animals are in a monitored area. This option is inexpensive and can be modified without significant upfront costs.

[0013] Another preferred possibility is to wirelessly and electronically detect the location of each individual animal by identifying the identification device carried by each animal. Besides determining animal density, this possibility offers the advantage of accurately identifying which animal is lingering where. Typically, farm animals already carry identification devices for other purposes, including, for example, accelerometers, to infer animal activity. These identification devices can be used to record feeding and rumination times, as well as the duration of other activities. These identification devices can be further used in the method now proposed. With the aid of this system, which is already partially available on farms according to the previous explanation, specific parameters, such as “milking readiness,” can also be considered in the calculations for system control and traffic management. Milking readiness is a parameter referring to the time at which cows in a group typically enter the milking facility.

[0014] Another possibility for detection is to incorporate foot-feed sensors in the floor, which can be used to determine the number or size of the load. Based on this, the number of animals in the detection area can be determined.

[0015] In the detection methods explained above, animal density can be identified discontinuously, either at a single time point or repeatedly after a freely chosen time interval. Each detection can also be triggered by reaching a threshold. For example, based on the last determined animal density, it can be determined how many seconds or minutes after which the next detection should occur. Furthermore, detection can be initiated based on the amount of milk obtained or the number of animals processed.

[0016] Detection can also be performed in real time, i.e., continuously. In continuous detection, video can be created using cameras or other optical methods and analyzed continuously. When detection is performed using animal detection devices or trampling sensors, the location of each animal can also be continuously identified, and thus the movement of animal density in any direction within the monitored area can be detected.

[0017] To connect two areas of a farm, a walkway with side barriers can be constructed. This walkway must be wide enough for each animal to pass through without colliding laterally. For very narrow animals, if the walkway is too wide, two or more animals may move side-by-side through it. However, in many cases, such as in front of a milking station, it is desirable to separate the animals. Therefore, it is advantageous to integrate a guide unit into the walkway, using which the width of the walkway can be adapted to the animals walking through it. For this purpose, for example, an arched, frame-like structure can be rotatably supported or movably mounted in the lateral barrier elements, which can be adjusted manually or by means of a control device.

[0018] According to the proposed method, the opening degree of the guide units arranged in the aisle can be influenced. The aisle can be completely closed or opened as wide as possible. This should be possible without human intervention. Furthermore, the opening degree can be determined not only by animal size but also by other parameters, such as animal density or equipment parameters. Equipment parameters could be, for example, the rotational speed of the milking carousel and / or the forward speed of the cow herder. Such cow herders are often used to move animals in a specific direction. Here, it can be a grid-like structure that can move back and forth along an imaginary axis and is adapted and designed to drive animals in the direction of their movement. Therefore, the cow herder is constructed so that animals cannot walk against the direction of driving past it. If cow herders are present on the farm, then based on the detected data, the operating characteristics of the cow herders, especially their forward speed, should also be adjustable.

[0019] In addition, the rotation speed of the milking turntable should be variable based on the determined data.

[0020] The advantages of this invention are its applicability to the feeding and handling of animals in various environments. Thus, for example, the invention can be used to organize traffic flow of cows moving to milking stations and to adapt at least partially automatically to the current situation. However, the invention is not limited to this application possibility. The invention can be advantageously applied to various processes related to the milking or handling of cows, sheep, buffalo, goats, or other dairy animals.

[0021] This invention aims to facilitate the operation of a large number of digitally controlled systems while reducing the need for personnel and maintaining high operational reliability. The invention improves the control and inflow regulation of animal flow in the entrance areas of milking carousels, milking stations, and handling stations. Improved utilization of all devices is also achieved through the method according to the invention.

[0022] According to the method of the present invention for influencing the traffic flow of animals in a waiting area that can be divided into multiple detection areas and in a passageway adjacent to the waiting area, a number of method steps are performed, wherein the width of the passageway can be set by the position of the guide unit.

[0023] First, the number of animals lingering within a predefined detection area is determined. For example, this could be part of a waiting area for cows awaiting milking before proceeding to the milking station. This waiting area could also be constructed in front of a handling station, such as a hoof bath, where animals should enter as individually and in an orderly manner as possible. An aisle is adjacent to the waiting area for animals to leave. Traffic flow within the waiting area and within the aisle itself should be influenced in this manner as animals enter. For this purpose, the aisle includes lateral barriers, at least one of which has an adjustable guide unit. The width of the aisle can be varied by adjusting the guide unit.

[0024] Below, we distinguish between the actual opening degree and the target opening degree of the guide unit. The actual opening degree represents the opening degree of the guide unit set at the moment of eye observation. The target opening degree represents the specific and intended opening degree of the guide unit.

[0025] Based on the number of animals identified in the detection area, the density (animals / surface) can be calculated. This can be done in a data processing device. The detected and processed data can determine whether the animals are congested, pushing towards the aisle, or separated from each other. Based on this, the aisle width and the target opening degree of at least one guide unit, depending on this, are determined.

[0026] In the example of milking equipment, the target opening degree can also be determined based on the expected milking output (milking cows / time). This allows, for example, animals to pass through passageways more easily or be stopped.

[0027] In a further step, the target opening degree is compared with the actual opening degree. If the result shows a deviation from the target opening degree, a command can be given to the control device of the guide unit, and the guide unit can be moved to a specific position. A possible tolerance range can also be determined so that the guide unit does not need adjustment when the deviation between the target and actual opening degrees is small.

[0028] Of particular advantage is that the detection area includes the transition zone between the waiting area and the aisle, as the situation there provides information about whether animals are already jostling before entering the aisle or whether there is free space there. In case of congestion at the front of the aisle, the guide unit can be moved to a pre-defined location. If many animals are densely packed in front of the guide unit, it can be fully opened to allow animals to leave and reduce the risk of panic outbreaks.

[0029] According to another advantageous implementation scheme, the number of animals is not only detected in the detection area. By identifying multiple detection areas and calculating the animal density in each area, and comparing the data with each other, a higher data output can be achieved. Therefore, it is possible to analyze more precisely where and how many animals are present and to draw specific conclusions about factors affecting animal traffic.

[0030] According to another advantageous embodiment, the number of animals in at least one detection area is optically detected using a camera system. A particular advantage of this is that it allows for modifications to the farm without significant upfront costs. At least one camera must be installed in a location from which the area to be detected can be seen. It is connected to data processing equipment via signal technology.

[0031] According to another advantageous embodiment, an animal detection device is used to determine the number of animals in at least one detection area. This can be done as an alternative to or supplement to detection using a camera system. The animal detection device can consist of an animal detection unit combined with an animal-specific identification mechanism carried by each animal. The identification mechanism can be a component that can be wirelessly connected via signal technology, such as a GPS or radio transmitter. RFID systems and other variations are possible. The animal identification mechanism can be worn by the animal on its ear, around its neck, or on its ankle. The advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that it enables not only general detection of animal density but also the determination of the location of each individual animal. For this purpose, at least one animal detection unit capable of detecting the signal of the animal identification mechanism must be installed in a suitable location. The collected data can then be sent to a data processing device and processed there.

[0032] According to another advantageous embodiment, animal density can be determined using a trampling sensor. The trampling sensor is adapted and designed to determine a certain amount of load conditions (stress) and / or load magnitude. The possible number of animals in the detection area can be derived from this using a data processing system. This detection method can be used as an alternative to or supplement to the methods described above.

[0033] According to another advantageous embodiment, the determined data is provided to the control device of the cow herder. Therefore, based on data obtained through animal detection, not only the target opening degree can be adapted, but also the operating characteristics of the cow herder, particularly its forward speed. It is also particularly advantageous that an incident can be reacted to by stopping or reversing the cow herder. Traditionally, cow herders typically move at a constant speed. For example, if the cow is prevented from moving in the forward direction, a continuously moving cow herder can injure the animal. This risk can be minimized by means of animal density detection combined with the control of the cow herder.

[0034] According to another advantageous embodiment, the determined data is provided to the control device of the milking turntable. Therefore, the rotation speed of the milking turntable can also be set based on the detected data. Furthermore, if the rotation speed exceeds or falls below a preset limit value, the milking turntable should be able to stop.

[0035] According to another inventive concept, a milking apparatus is proposed, comprising a waiting area, a milking station, an aisle connecting the waiting area and the milking station, a guide unit arranged in the aisle, a control device for the guide unit, and a data processing device. The waiting area includes at least one detection area, in which at least one detection unit is disposed. In this milking apparatus, the opening degree of the guide unit can be determined using data collected by the detection unit. These parameters may be, for example, animal density per defined area or product that can be calculated therefrom.

[0036] The detection area includes the transition area between the waiting area and the passageway. Advantageously, at least one additional detection area is provided in which additional data is collected.

[0037] According to another advantageous embodiment, the milking equipment includes a camera system that optically detects the animal's position and transmits it to a data processing device. From the position of individual animals, images of congested and free spaces can be created, and the operation can be adapted to the situation.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment, the milking equipment includes at least one animal detection unit adapted and designed to detect the location of an animal-specific identification mechanism and transmit it to a data processing device.

[0039] According to another advantageous embodiment, the floor of at least one local area of ​​the milking facility is at least partially equipped with a trampling sensor, through which animal density can be determined.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment, the milking equipment includes a movable cow herder. This cow herder can be configured as a grid. Advantageously, the determined data is provided to the control device of the cow herder, thereby automatically adapting the operating characteristics and forward speed of the cow herder based on this data.

[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment, the milking equipment includes a milking turntable whose rotational speed can be adapted based on detected and processed data. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Other advantages and details of the invention, as well as the technical environment, will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate particularly preferred processes and embodiments, but the invention is not limited thereto. In particular, unless otherwise explicitly stated, certain aspects of the facts explained in the drawings may be extracted and combined with other components and understanding derived from this specification and / or the drawings. It should be particularly noted that the drawings, and especially the scale shown, are merely schematic. The same reference numerals denote the same objects, and therefore explanations from other figures may be used supplementarily where necessary. In the drawings:

[0043] Figure 1 A top view is shown of a waiting area and passageway constructed with components according to the invention;

[0044] Figure 2 A top view showing the alternatively constructed waiting area and passageway;

[0045] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the process steps of the method according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Figure 1 A waiting area 2 is shown, in which multiple animals 1, possibly cows, linger. The waiting area 2 can be arranged, for example, as a lingering area for waiting animals 1, in front of a milking carousel or a group milking station. A cow herder 3 is arranged in the waiting area 2. It can be grid-like and movable, and is adapted and designed to herd animals 1 in one direction by moving in that direction. The cow herder 3 extends at least across the entire width of the waiting area 2, preventing animals 1 from turning back by passing laterally past the cow herder 3. The cow herder 3 is connected to a control device 3.1, through which the forward speed of the cow herder 3 can be set. The control device 3.1 is connected to a data processing device 7 via signal technology.

[0047] The waiting area 2 may have multiple detection areas 2.1 and 2.2. Two detection areas 2.1 and 2.2 are shown in this embodiment. Detection area 2.1 is arranged on the surface in front of the cow herder 3, facing the aisle 8. In the illustrated case, three animals 1 are present in detection area 2.1. Detection area 2.2 extends over the transition area from the waiting area 2 to the aisle 8. In the illustrated case, two animals 1 are present in detection area 2.2.

[0048] An aisle 8 is constructed adjacent to waiting area 2. This aisle may be, for example, a passage leading to the milking carousel. The width of aisle 8 is variable. This is achieved through a guide unit 4. The guide unit 4 is formed by an arched frame-like structure, the position of which can be adjusted by means of a control device 4.1. The control device 4.1 is connected to the data processing device 7 via signal technology.

[0049] The camera system 5 is positioned so that it can see the waiting area 2. One or more cameras can be set up for this purpose. The number of animals 1 in the waiting area 2 can be optically detected by the camera system 5.

[0050] Animal detection units 6 are installed in waiting area 2. Each animal 1 can be equipped with an identification device, such as a GPS transmitter, from which location data is transmitted to animal detection unit 6. The identification device can be carried by each animal 1, for example, on its ear, neck, or ankle. Using the location data of each animal 1, it is possible to determine how many animals 1 are lingering in which detection areas 2.1 and 2.2.

[0051] Both the camera system 5 and the animal detection unit 6 are connected to the data processing device 7 via signal technology. The data processing device 7 can calculate the appropriate forward speed of the cow herder 3 and / or set the guidance unit 4 from the received data. In order to control the cow herder 3 and the guidance unit 4, the data processing device 7 is connected to the corresponding control devices 3.1 and 4.1 via signal technology.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a top view of waiting area 2. It differs from other areas in its design for setting up detection units for animal detection. Figure 1 The implementation method is as follows. Additionally, no cow herder 3 is installed. For a better overview, in... Figure 2 Animals cannot be seen in the image. For further information, please refer to the section on... Figure 1 The explanation.

[0053] Waiting area 2 has multiple foot pedal sensors. In the illustrated embodiment, these foot pedal sensors are shown in the form of a foot pedal sensor board 9. The foot pedal sensor board 9 can detect and store the load or the frequency or magnitude of foot pedaling, and transmit it to the data processing device 7.

[0054] Therefore, multiple step sensor plates 9 provide a data basis from which the number and / or weight of the animal 1 can be inferred. In the illustrated embodiment, multiple rows of step sensor plates 9 arranged equidistantly are provided in detection areas 2.1 and 2.2, respectively. This arrangement is exemplary. It is also possible to continuously equip at least a portion of the floor with step sensor plates 9, or to use a method that... Figure 2 The diagram shows a greater or lesser number of tramp sensor plates 9. The more tramp sensors or tramp sensor plates 9 are installed, the more reliable the data basis for calculating animal numbers or density. An equidistant arrangement of the tramp sensor plates 9 is preferred.

[0055] Figure 3 The method according to the invention is illustrated using a flowchart. Method steps are shown within solid rectangular boxes, and parameters are shown within dashed rectangular boxes. Determination processes are shown using diamonds. Optional method steps to be implemented are connected to other method steps by arrows with dotted lines. Mandatory method steps to be implemented are connected to other method steps by arrows with solid lines.

[0056] After the process begins at 100, a detection area 200 is defined. Detection areas 2.1 and 2.2 are surfaces on which the number or density of animals 1 is detected. For example, they could be part of the waiting area 2 in front of the milking carousel. Three detection methods are available, which can be used individually or in combination. When detection is performed using a camera system 300, the number of animals 1 is optically detected by one or more cameras. Detection is also performed using an animal detection unit 400, where each animal 1 carries an individual identification mechanism that is detected by the animal detection unit 6, thus allowing a conclusion about the number of animals 1 in detection areas 2.1 and 2.2 to be drawn. Alternatively or supplementarily, detection can be performed using a step sensor 500. For this purpose, detection areas 2.1 and 2.2 are equipped with step sensors or step sensor plates 9, which detect load conditions and / or load magnitude. The number of animals 1 can then be determined.

[0057] After at least one of the detection methods 300, 400 and 500 is performed, animal-specific parameters are determined in another step 600.

[0058] This is calculated using equipment parameters 700 in step 800 of data processing. The equipment parameters can be the rotational speed 701 of the milking turntable or the forward speed 702 of the cow herder. The target opening degree z of the aisle clearance is then calculated from this. i+1 In step 900, the target opening degree z is... i+1 Compared to the actual openness z i The actual openness is compared, and for this step, the actual openness is transmitted to the system.

[0059] If the target openness is z i+1 and actual openness z i If they are the same, or if the difference between them is within a preset tolerance range, then the process is repeated starting from step 200, i.e., defining the detection area. If the target opening degree z i+1 Compared with the actual opening degree z i If the difference is greater than the preset tolerance, then at least one of the method steps 1000, 1001 and 1002 shall be executed.

[0060] When the guide unit is set to 1000, the target opening degree z i+1 The control device is transmitted to the guide unit 4.1 and set.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, process step 1001, namely, adapting the rotation speed of the milking turntable, can be performed. This is particularly useful when multiple animals 1 are present in at least one detection area 2.1, 2.2, making it insufficient to simply adjust the opening degree of the guide unit to alleviate the situation.

[0062] Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the forward speed of the cow herder 1002 can be adapted. One possible scenario in which this measure would be meaningful is to allow individual animals 1 to remain in at least one of the detection areas 2.1, 2.2. Thus, the animals 1 can be prompted to leave these areas with the aid of the cow herder 3 in order to reach the end of the milking process.

[0063] Then, in process step 1100, a query is performed to check whether at least one other animal 1 exists in one of the detection areas 2.1 and 2.2. If the query is negative, the process end 1200 has been reached. If at least one animal 1 is still in at least one of the detection areas 2.1 and 2.2, the process continues with step 200, i.e. (adapted if necessary), defining at least one detection area 2.1 and 2.2. These steps are repeated until query 1100 is negative and the process end 1200 is finally reached.

[0064] After the process ends at 1200, the guide unit 4 is preferably led to a preset end position, which can be determined by the data processing device 7 taking into account empirical values ​​and / or animal-specific data being detected.

[0065] The subject of this invention is a method for influencing animal traffic flow that operates at least partially automatically, and a milking apparatus having features of said method. Based on animal density in at least one pre-set detection zone, a guiding unit can be automatically adjusted according to said method, the guiding unit allowing, facilitating, or preventing animals from passing through the aisle. According to an advantageous embodiment, the operation of the cow herder and milking carousel is also influenced based on the detected data.

[0066] List of reference numerals

[0067] 1 animal

[0068] 2 Waiting Area

[0069] 2.1 Detection Area 1

[0070] 2.2 Detection Area 2

[0071] 3 Cow Drivers

[0072] 3.1 Control device for dairy cow herder

[0073] 4 guiding units

[0074] 4.1 Control device for the guide unit

[0075] 5 camera system

[0076] 6 animal detection units

[0077] 7 Data processing equipment

[0078] 8 aisles

[0079] 9 pedal sensor boards

[0080] 100 process begins

[0081] 200 Limited Detection Area

[0082] 300 uses a camera system for detection

[0083] 400 uses animal detection units for detection

[0084] 500 detected by the step sensor

[0085] 600 Determine animal-specific parameters

[0086] 700 Equipment Parameters

[0087] 701 rotational speed

[0088] The forward speed of the 702 cow herder

[0089] 800 Data Processing

[0090] 900 Comparison Parameter z i With z i+1

[0091] 1000 Setting Guide Unit

[0092] 1001 adaptable rotation speed

[0093] 1002 Adapted to the forward speed of cow herders

[0094] 1100 Query to detect whether there is at least one animal in the detection area

[0095] 1200 process completed

[0096] z i Actual open rate

[0097] z i+1 Target open rate

Claims

1. A method for influencing traffic flow in which an animal (1) enters from a waiting area (2) into a passageway (8) adjacent to the waiting area, the passageway having a guiding unit (4). in, The waiting area (2) has at least one detection area (2.1, 2.2), and the at least one detection area has at least one detection unit. This method includes the following steps: • The number of animals (1) in at least one detection area (2.1, 2.2) is detected by the detection unit. • The target opening degree of the guiding unit (4) is determined based on the number of animals (1) detected. • Compare the target opening degree with the actual opening degree of the guiding unit (4), wherein, • Based on the preset difference between the target opening degree and the actual opening degree of the guide unit (4), an instruction can be given to the control device (4.1) of the guide unit (4), and the guide unit (4) can be moved toward the target opening degree. Thus, the width of the passageway (8) can be changed by the opening degree of the guide unit (4), wherein the detection unit detects at least one of the animal-specific parameters of each animal (1): length, width or mass, and takes it into account when determining the target opening degree of the guide unit (4).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The waiting area (2) has a transition area adjacent to the passage (8), which forms the detection area (2.1, 2.2).

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, A detection unit is formed using an optical detection system.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, A detection unit is formed by the camera system (5).

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The detection unit is formed by an animal detection device, which includes an identification mechanism for each animal (1) and at least one animal detection unit (6).

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, A detection unit is formed by stepping on the sensor.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The animals (1) are driven towards the passageway (8) by the cow herder (3).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The determined data is provided to the control device (3.1) of the cow herder.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The determined data is provided to the control device of the milking station.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The milking station is arranged on the milking turntable, and the rotation speed of the milking turntable can be adapted according to the determined and processed data.

11. Milking equipment, including a waiting area (2), a milking station, an aisle (8) connecting the waiting area (2) to the milking station, a guide unit (4) arranged in the aisle (8), a data processing device (7) and a control device (4.1) for the guide unit (4). in, The waiting area (2) has at least one detection area (2.1, 2.2) with a detection unit. The control device (4.1) and the detection unit are connected to the data processing equipment (7) via signal technology, and The opening degree of the guide unit (4) can be changed via the control device (4.1), and the opening degree affects the width of the passageway (8). The detection unit is configured to detect at least one of the following animal-specific parameters for each animal (1): length, width, or mass, and the data processing device (7) is configured to take the parameters into account when determining the target opening degree of the guide unit (4).

12. The milking apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The waiting area (2) has a transition area adjacent to the passage (8), which forms the detection area (2.1, 2.2).

13. The milking apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The detection unit is formed by an optical detection system.

14. The milking apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The detection unit is formed by the camera system (5).

15. The milking apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The detection unit is formed by an animal detection device, which includes an identification mechanism for each animal (1) and at least one animal detection unit (6).

16. The milking apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The detection unit is formed by a step sensor, which is connected to the data processing device (7) via signal technology.

17. The milking apparatus according to claim 11, comprising a cow herder (3) arranged in a waiting area (2), the cow herder being adapted and intended for herding animals (1) toward a passageway (8).

18. The milking apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, The determined data is provided to the control device (3.1) of the cow herder.

19. The milking apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The milking station is arranged on a milking turntable, and the rotation speed of the milking turntable can be adapted according to the determined and processed data.

Images