Automatic milking: an experiment to inspect teats using an electronic nose

Systems have been developed to automate many of the functions of the herdsperson in the milking parlour (Ipema et al., 1992). However, before automatic milking can achieve the same level of quality control as the human operator, methods of teat inspection and cleaning will have to be developed. Mottram (1992) proposed that an electronic odour detection system could be used to inspect the teat for signs of dirt or injury.