Optical teat inspection for automatic milking systems

Abstract Automatic milking systems require methods of ensuring that cows are clean before milking. This paper investigates the feasibility of a sensor to detect dirt on a teat based on the optical reflectivity of the teat. A fibre optic sensor and fast scanning monochromator were used to make a series of measurements of the visible and near infrared reflectance properties of teats and the major surface contaminants. From these data spectral features, which uniquely corresponded to manure and blood on a clean teat, were identified.