Milking Control Using Expected Milk Parameters With Feedback Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milking methods often rely on expected values for milk parameters, which can lead to incorrect or undesirable decisions, as actual values are not always accurately determined, especially when milkings are terminated prematurely.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves calculating expected values of milk parameters based on historical data and milking intervals, while also measuring actual values using a stricter detachment criterion, allowing for the updating of formulas to improve decision-making in subsequent milkings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If milking is terminated based on expected values, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by measuring actual milk parameters periodically and using these measurements to update the expected value calculations. The control unit compares actual measurements with expected values and adjusts future expected values based on the difference, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves accuracy while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements of actual milk parameters at specific intervals (e.g., after a predetermined number of milkings or time period) before fully relying on expected values. This preliminary action ensures that the expected values are calibrated against actual measurements, improving subsequent decision-making accuracy without permanently reducing productivity.
2Measurement precision
If actual values are measured for every milking, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of measuring actual values for every milking (excessive action), the system measures actual values only periodically at predetermined intervals (partial action). This partial measurement approach provides sufficient data to update expected values while avoiding the productivity loss that would result from measuring every single milking event.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the naturally occurring variations in milking intervals and the inherent data collected during normal milking operations to update expected values. By leveraging the existing milking process data and timing variations, the system obtains accurate measurements without requiring additional dedicated measurement actions that would reduce productivity.
3Measurement precision
If detachment criterion is made stricter, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies a stricter detachment criterion only periodically for measurement purposes rather than for every milking. This partial application of the stricter criterion allows accurate measurement of actual milk parameters at intervals while maintaining the more lenient, productivity-oriented criterion for routine milkings.
Solution Approach 2:
The stricter detachment criterion is applied periodically based on predetermined conditions (number of milkings or time period) rather than continuously. This periodic application ensures that accurate measurements are obtained at regular intervals to update expected values, while productivity is maintained during intermediate milkings using the standard detachment criterion.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for milking a dairy animal using a milking device with a measuring device for a milk parameter, the method including identifying the dairy animal, determining a milking interval, attaching milking cups to the dairy animal, calculating, according to a first formula, an expected value for the milk parameter, milking the dairy animal, and detaching the milking cup when a first detachment criterion has been met. During the milking step and/or during the detaching step, use is made of the expected value of the milk parameter without determining the actual value of the milk parameter. The actual value is the value of the milk parameter if the milking takes place using a second detachment criterion which is stricter than the first detachment criterion. The method further includes measuring the actual value of the milk parameter for the present milking and updating the first formula.