초록 ▼

A system for optimising the production performance of a milk producing animal herd is provided. The system comprises a milk sampling apparatus, an analytical apparatus comprising separate equipment for analyzing compounds or parameters that in the presence of compounds indicative of the physiologica

A system for optimising the production performance of a milk producing animal herd is provided. The system comprises a milk sampling apparatus, an analytical apparatus comprising separate equipment for analyzing compounds or parameters that in the presence of compounds indicative of the physiological or nutritional condition of the herd member, generates detectable signals, and apparatus directing a part of the milk sample (directing apparatus) to each separate equipment, which is controlled by data for the physiological and nutritional state of a herd member, so that the directing apparatus is only activated at pre-selected points in time or at pre-selected time intervals in the production and/or lactation cycles. Specific compounds are compounds indicative of mastitis, including beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase (NAGase) E.C. 3.2.1.52 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), protein balance, including milk urea nitrogen (MUN) and total protein, ketosis, including acetolactate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetone and lipids, fat and state in reproduction cycle, including a steroid or peptide hormone, e.g., progesterone. Furthermore, the system comprises equipment for signal detection to record and process the signals, equipment to store data and equipment to produce data output. Methods for optimizing the production performance of a milk producing animal herd and an apparatus therefor.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An automated or semi-automated system for optimizing the production performance of a milk producing animal herd comprising a plurality of individual herd members each assigned a unique identification code that is recognizable by the system, the system comprising the following interconnected means

1. An automated or semi-automated system for optimizing the production performance of a milk producing animal herd comprising a plurality of individual herd members each assigned a unique identification code that is recognizable by the system, the system comprising the following interconnected means:(a) means for collecting a milk sample from an individual member of said herd, said means for collecting a milk sample being connectable to a herd milking system,(b) means for recognizing the identification code of the individual herd member,(c) means for storing data for a physiological condition, a nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological nutritional conditions of said each individual herd member,(d) means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters in a milk sample being collected, said means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters comprising:(i) separate means for analyzing individual compounds or parameters in the milk sample, each of said separate means for analyzing individual compounds or parameters being capable of generating a detectable signal in the presence of an individual milk compound or parameter,(ii) means for directing a part of the milk sample to each separate analyzing means, said directing means being controlled in response to at least one change for at least one parameter in at least one individual herd member recorded by said means for storing data for the physiological state condition, a nutritional condition or a combination of physiological and nutritional conditions of each individual herd member relative to previously-stored data in said means for storing data for said individual herd member such that the directing means is only activated at pre-selected points in time or at pre-selected time intervals in the reproduction or lactation cycles, or said directing means being controlled in response to a signal from said means for storing data such that the directing means is only activated at pre-selected points in time or at pre-selected time intervals in the reproduction or lactation cycles,(iii) means for detecting signals generated in the presence of a compound or parameter being analyzed,(e) means for converting the detected signals to a set of data that is indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of said individual herd member,(f) means for storage of said set of data descriptive of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions for said individual herd members, and(g) data output means for producing data output. 2. A system according to claim 1 where the sample collecting means is adapted to collect a milk sample from an individual mammary gland of a herd member. 3. A system according to claim 1 where the sample collecting means is adapted to collect a sample combining milk from two or more mammary glands of a herd member. 4. A system according to claim 2 or 3 where the sample collecting means is capable of collecting a proportional milk sample which is representative of average composition of total milk produced during the milking of each individual herd member. 5. A system according to claim 2 or 3 where the sample collecting means is capable of collecting a subsample during a pre-selected time interval of the milking operation. 6. A system according to claim 1 where the sample collecting means comprises means for storing a milk sample being collected. 7. A system according to claim 6 where the means for storing a milk sample comprises mixing means. 8. A system according to claim 6 where the sample collecting means further comprises or is operationally connected with at least one of: (i) means permitting the sample collecting means to be cleaned between samples, (ii) means for storing a buffer solution or a dilute solution, (iii) means for connecting the means for storing a milk sample to the m eans for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters, the means for storing a buffer solution or the dilute solution, the herd milking system, a sample discharge outlet or a combination of the milking system and the sample discharge outlet, (iv) means for controlling the temperature of the milk sample being collected or (v) means for transporting the milk sample being collected. 9. A system according to any of claims 1 - 3 or 6 where the sample collecting means comprises means for storing a plurality of milk samples. 10. A system according to claim 9 where the means for storing a plurality of milk samples is in the form of a device comprising a plurality of milk storage containers. 11. A system according to claim 10 where the device comprising a plurality of milk storage containers is insertable into the milk collecting means prior to collecting milk samples and is removable therefrom when the plurality of samples is collected for bringing it into operational contact with the analytical means. 12. A system according to claims 6 or 7 where the means for storing a milk sample has a pressure that is different from the pressure of the herd milking system to which said means is connected. 13. A system according to any of claims 1 - 3 or 6 where the means for collecting a milk sample is connected to an element of the herd milking system selected from the group consisting of a teat cup, a teat tube, a milk metering device and a milk transporting tube. 14. A system according to claim 13 where the means for collecting a milk sample is connected to a tubing element of the herd milking system. 15. A system according to claim 14 where the means for collecting a milk sample is provided with a separate milk metering device. 16. A system according to claim 1 where the separate means for analyzing individual compounds or parameters in the milk sample includes means for analyzing at least one compound or parameter selected from the group consisting of a compound or parameter that is indicative of mastitis, a compound or parameter that is indicative of the reproduction cycle state of the milking animal and a compound or parameter that is indicative of the energy and nutritional state of the milking animal. 17. A system according to claim 16 comprising separate analyzing means for analyzing a compound or parameter indicative of mastitis that is selected from the group consisting of somatic cells, microbial cells or parts thereof, an enzyme, a protein, a lipid, a mineral, a trace element, milk temperature, conductivity of the milk and a particle that is separable by filtration. 18. A system according to claim 17 where the compound indicative of mastitis is an enzyme, the amount of which is increased in milk from an inflamed mammary gland. 19. A system according to claim 18 where the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAGase) E.C. 3.2.1.52. 20. A system according to claim 19 where the separate analyzing means for analyzing NAGase is capable of detecting an amount or NAGase which is in the range of 0 to 0.1 U/ml and/or an amount of LDH which is in the range of 100 to 2000 U/ml, or a combination of an amount of NAGase, which is in the range of 0 to 0.1 U/ml and an amount of LDH which is in the range of 100 to 2000 U/ml. 21. A system according to claim 16 comprising separate analyzing means for analyzing a compound or parameter, the presence or amount of which in milk is indicative of the reproduction cycle state of the milking animal, that is selected from the group consisting of a compound that indicates pro-oestrus, a compound that is indicative of oestrus (heat), a compound that indicates di-oestrus and a compound that indicates pregnancy. 22. A system according to claim 21 where the compound indicative of the reproduction cycle state of the milking animal is a hormone. 23. A system according to claim where the hormone to be analyzed is progesterone. 24. A syste m according to claim 23 where the separate analyzing means for analyzing progesterone is capable of detecting an amount thereof in the milk sample which is in the range of 0 to 30 ng/ml. 25. A system according to claim 23 where the separate analyzing means for analyzing progesterone is capable of detecting an amount thereof in the milk sample which is in the range of 0 to 20 ng/ml. 26. A system according to claim 16 comprising separate analyzing means for analyzing a compound or parameter indicative of the energy and/or nutritional state of the milking animal that is selected from the group consisting of a compound or parameter that is indicative of the protein balance of the milking animal and a compound or parameter that is indicative of the overall energy balance of the milking animal. 27. A system according to claim 26 where the compound or parameter that is indicative of the protein balance of the milking animal is selected from the group consisting of milk urea nitrogen (MUN) and total milk protein. 28. A system according to claim 27 where the separate analyzing means for analyzing a compound or parameter that is indicative of the protein balance of the milking animal is capable of detecting an amount of MUN which is in the range of 0 to 1000 mg/l. 29. A system according to claim 27 where the separate analyzing means for analyzing a compound or parameter that is indicative of the protein balance of the milking animal is capable of detecting an amount of MUN which is in the range of 0 to 700 mg/l. 30. A system according to claim 26 where the compound or parameter that is indicative of the overall energy balance of the milking animal is selected from the group consisting of a ketone body compound and total milk fat content. 31. A system according to claim 30 where the ketone body compound is selected from the group consisting of acetolactate, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) and acetone. 32. A system according to claim 31 where the analyzing means for analyzing a compound or parameter that is indicative of the overall energy balance of the milking animal is capable of detecting an amount of BOHB which is in the range of 0 to 0.7 mM. 33. A system according to claim 1 where the separate means for analyzing an individual compound or parameter in the milk sample includes means for analyzing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of NAGase, progesterone, milk urea nitrogen, total protein content, BOHB, total fat content and milk yield. 34. A system according to any of claims 1 - 3 , 6 or 16 where the means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters in a milk sample is analytically linked to a plurality of means for collecting a milk sample. 35. A system according to claim 34 where milk samples collected by the plurality of means for collecting a milk sample are transported to the means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters in a milk sample via a tube element, via a conveyer element or by hand. 36. A system according to claim 35 where each individual milk sample is collected in an enclosure element. 37. A system according to claim 34 where the means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters in a milk sample is spatially separated from the plurality of means for collecting a milk sample. 38. A system according to any of claims 1 - 3 , 6 or 16 where the means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters is placed at each milking site. 39. A system according to claim 1 where the data storage means comprises a database containing for each individual herd member multiple data related to previous analysis of milk samples from herd members for the presence of individual compounds or parameters. 40. A system according to claim 39 where the multiple data include data selected from the group consisting of: data for identifying the milking site, milk yield data, data to identify the individual herd members, data related to parity, data related to reproduction state and lactation state of the herd members, data for time of sample collections, historical analytical data for the physiological and nutritional condition, historical data for compositions of milk samples, feeding scheme data, and disease record data. 41. A system according to claim 40, where the data related to reproduction state and lactation state of the herd members is data indicating points in time in the reproduction and lactation cycles. 42. A system according to claim 40, where the data related to disease record data includes data for previous disease treatments. 43. A system according to claim 39 the data storage means is, or is operationally linked to, a data management system that is capable of comparing real time analytical data received from the signal detection means with data stored in the data storage means and, based thereupon, generating and transmitting an instruction message to a herd manager. 44. A system according to claim 1 or 43 where the data storage means is operably linked to a database comprising historical data indicative of the physiological and nutritional condition collected from members of one or more different milk producing animal herds, said database either being part of the system for optimizing the production performance of a milk producing animal herd or being an external database operationally linked to the system for optimizing the production performance of a milk producing animal herd. 45. A system according to claim 44 where the external database is operationally linked to the system for optimizing the production performance of a milk producing animal herd via the internet. 46. A system according to claim 43 where the instruction message indicates that a specific herd member is ready for insemination. 47. A system according to claim 43 where the instruction message indicates that a specific herd member is in need of mastitis treatment. 48. A system according to claim 43 where the instruction message indicates that at least one specific herd member is in need of a feeding scheme adjustment. 49. A system according to claim 43 where the recipient of the instruction message is a pre-selected specialist. 50. A system according to claim 49, wherein the pre-selected specialist is a farmer, a veterinarian, an inseminator, or a farm management consultant. 51. A system according to claim 1 where the separate means for analyzing individual compounds or parameters comprises means for performing an analysis selected from the group consisting of an enzymatically based assay, an immunologically based assay, a biosensor analysis, a biochemical assay, a spectrometric assay and a flow injection based assay. 52. A system according to claim 51 where the separate means for analyzing individual compounds or parameters comprises solid support analytical devices. 53. A system according to claim 52 where the analyzing means comprises or is operationally linked to means for storing and transporting the solid support analytical devices. 54. A system according to claim 1 wherein the directing means is activated for at least one member of the animal herd in response to a detection of a change in at least one compound or parameter of the member of the animal herd, indicating an abnormality in the physiological or nutritional condition of the member of the animal herd. 55. A system according to claim 54 wherein the pre-selected points in time or pre-selected time intervals are scheduled subsequently to the detection. 56. A system according to claim 1, wherein said data for a physiological and nutritional condition of said individual herd member is data indicating point in time in the reproduction and lactation cycles. 57. A system according to any of claims 1 - 3 where the sample collecting means further comprises or is operationally connected with at least one of: (i) means permitting the sample collecting means to be cleaned between samples, (ii) means for storing a buffer solution or a dilute solution, (iii) means for storing a milk sample being collected, (iv) means for connecting the means for storing a milk sample to the means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters, the means for storing a buffer solution or the dilute solution, the herd milking system, a sample discharge outlet or a combination of the milking system and the sample discharge outlet, (v) means for controlling the temperature of the milk sample being collected or (vi) means for transporting the milk sample being collected. 58. A method for optimizing the production performance of a milk producing animal herd using the system according to any of claims 1 - 3 , 6 , 16 , 39 or 46 , the method comprising the steps of:(i) collecting at a milking site a milk sample from each individual member of the herd,(ii) contacting said sample with the means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters that, in the presence of at least one compound or parameter indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of the herd member, generates at least one detectable signal,(iii) recording in the signal detection means the character of said at least one signal to provide a set of analytical data indicative of the presence, the amount or a combination of the presence and the amount of said compound or parameter,(iv) having the generated data processed to provide a set of data indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of the individual herd member, and(v) taking, on the basis of the set of data provided, appropriate steps to improve or correct the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of any of the herd members in need of such improvement or correction. 59. A method for optimizing the production performance of a milk producing animal herd comprising a plurality of individual herd members using an automated or semi-automated system for optimizing the production performance of a milk producing animal herd, the system comprising the following interconnected means:(a) means for collecting a milk sample from an individual member of said herd, said means is connectable to a herd milking system,(b) means for recognizing a unique identification code assigned to each of the individual herd members,(c) means for storing data including data for a physiological state condition, a nutritional condition, or a combination of physiological and nutritional conditions of said each individual herd member or data indicating point in time in the reproduction and lactation cycles,(d) means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters in a the milk sample being collected, said plurality of compounds or parameters including at least two of the following: a compound or parameter indicative of mastitis, a compound indicative of the reproduction cycle state, at least one compound indicative of the protein balance of the herd member or at least one compound indicative of the energy balance state of the herd member, said analyzing means comprising(i) separate means for analyzing individual compounds or parameters in the milk sample, each of said separate means for analyzing individual compounds or parameters is capable of generating at least one detectable signal in the presence of an individual milk compound or parameter, and(ii) means for detecting the at least one signal generated in the presence of a compound or parameter being analyzed,(e) means for converting the at least one detected signal to a set of data that is indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of said individual herd member,(f) means for storage of said set of data indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditi ons for said individual herd members, and(g) a means for producing data output, the method comprising the steps of:(i) collecting at a milking site a milk sample from each individual member of the herd,(ii) contacting said sample with the means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters that, in the presence of at least one compound or parameter indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of the herd member, generates at least one detectable signal,(iii) recording in the signal detection means the character of said at least one detectable signal to provide a set of analytical data indicative of the presence, the amount, or a combination of the presence and the amount of said compound or parameter,(iv) having the generated data processed to provide a sat of data indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of the individual herd member, and(v) taking, on the basis of the set of data provided, appropriate steps to improve or correct the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of any of the herd members in need of such improvement or correction. 60. A method according to claim 59 using a system where the sample collecting means further comprises, or is operationally connected with, at least one of (i) means permitting the sample collecting means to be cleaned between samples, (ii) means for storing a buffer solution or a dilute solution, (iii) means for storing a milk sample being collected, (iv) means for connecting the means for storing a milk sample to the means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters, the means for storing a buffer solution or the dilute solution, the herd milking system, a sample discharge outlet or a combination of the milking system and the sample discharge outlet, (v) means for controlling the temperature of the milk sample being collected and (vi) means for transporting the milk sample being collected. 61. A method according to claim 59 using a system where the sample collecting means is adapted to collect a milk sample from an individual mammary gland of a herd member. 62. A method according to claim 59 using a system where the sample collecting means is adapted to collect a sample combining milk from at least two mammary glands of a herd member. 63. A method according to claim 61 or 62 using a system where the sample collecting means is capable of collecting a proportional milk sample which is representative of average composition of total milk produced during the milking of each individual herd member. 64. A method according to claim 61 or 62 using a system where the sample collecting means is capable of collecting a subsample during a pre-selected time interval of the milking operation. 65. A method according to claim 59 using a system where the sample collecting means comprises means for storing a milk sample being collected. 66. A method according to claim 65 using a system where the means for storing a milk sample comprises mixing means for mixing the milk sample. 67. A method according to claim 65 using a system where the sample collecting means further comprises, or is operationally connected with, at least one of (i) means permitting the sample collecting means to be cleaned between samples, (ii) means for storing a buffer solution or a dilute solution, (iii) means for connecting the means for storing a milk sample to the means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters, the means for storing a buffer solution or the dilute solution, the herd milking system, a sample discharge outlet or a combination of the herd milking system and a sample discharge outlet, (iv) means for controlling the temperature of the milk sample being collected and (v) means for transporting the milk sample being collected. 68. A method ac cording to claim 59 or 65 using a system where the sample collecting means comprises means for storing a plurality of milk samples. 69. A method according to claim 68 using a system where the means for storing a plurality of milk samples is in the form of a device comprising a plurality of milk storage containers. 70. A method according to claim 69 using a system whore the device comprising a plurality of milk storage containers is inserted into the milk collecting means prior to collecting milk samples and is removed therefrom when the plurality of samples is collected for bringing it into operational contact with the means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters. 71. A method according to claim 65 or 66 using a system where the means for storing a milk sample has a pressure that is different from the pressure of the herd milking system to which said means for storing a milk sample is connected. 72. A method according to claim 59 or 65 using a system where the means for collecting a milk sample is connected to an element of the herd milking system selected from the group consisting of a teat cup, a teat tube, a milk flow metering device, and a milk transporting tube. 73. A system according to claim 72 where the means for collecting a milk sample is connected to a tubing element of the herd milking system and is provided with a separate milk flow meter. 74. A method according to claim 59 where the compound indicative of mastitis is an enzyme, the amount of which is increased in milk from an inflamed mammary gland. 75. A method according to claim 74 where the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAGase) E.C. 3.2.1.52. 76. A method according to claim 75 using a system where the analyzing means for analyzing NAGase is capable of detecting an amount of NAGase which is in the range of 0 to 0.1 U/ml, an amount of LDH which is in the range of 100 to 2000 U/ml or a combination of NAGase in the range of 0 to 0.1 U/ml and LDH in the range of 100 to 2000 U/ml. 77. A method according to claim 59 using a system comprising said separate analyzing means for analyzing the individual compounds or parameters, which includes means for analyzing at least one compound or parameter the presence or amount of which in milk is indicative of the reproduction cycle state of the milking animal, that is selected from the group consisting of a compound that indicates pro-oestrus, a compound that is indicative of oestrus (heat), a compound that indicates di-oestrus and a compound that indicates pregnancy. 78. A method according to claim 77 where the compound indicative of the reproduction cycle state of the milking animal is a hormone. 79. A method according to claim 78 where the hormone to be analyzed is progesterone. 80. A method according to claim 79 using a system comprising analyzing means for analyzing progesterone that is capable of detecting an amount thereof in the milk sample which is in the range of 0 to 30 ng/ml. 81. A method according to claim 59 using a system where the compound or parameter that is indicative of the protein balance of the milking animal is selected from the group consisting of milk urea nitrogen (MUN) and total milk protein. 82. A method according to claim 81 using a system where the analyzing means for analyzing a compound or parameter that is indicative of the protein balance of the milking animal is capable of detecting an amount of MUN which is in the range of 0 to 1000 mg/l. 83. A method according to claim 81 using a system where the analyzing means for analyzing a compound or parameter that is indicative of the protein balance of the milking animal is capable of detecting an amount of MUN which is in the range of 0 to 700 mg/l. 84. A method according to claim 59 where the compound or parameter that is indicative of the energy balance of the milking animal is selected from the group consisting of a ketone body compound and total milk fa t content. 85. A method according to claim 84 where the ketone body compound is selected from the group consisting of acetolactate, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) and acetone. 86. A method according to claim 85 using a system where the analyzing means for analyzing a compound or parameter that is indicative of the energy balance of the milking animal is capable of detecting an amount of BOHB which is in the range of 0 to 0.7 mM. 87. A method according to claim 85 using a system where the analyzing means for analyzing a compound or parameter that is indicative of the energy balance of the milking animal is capable of detecting an amount of BOHB which is in the range of 0.1 to 0.7 mM. 88. A method according to any of claims 59 , 65 or 74 using a system where the means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters in a milk sample is analytically linked to a plurality of means for collecting a milk sample. 89. A method according to claim 88 where the milk sample collected by the means for collecting a milk sample is transported to the means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters in a milk sample via a tube element, via a conveyer element or by hand. 90. A method according to claim 88 where each individual milk sample is collected in an enclosure element. 91. A method according to claim 88 where the means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters in a milk sample is spatially separated from the plurality of means for collecting a milk sample. 92. A method according to claim 59 using a system where the data storage means comprises a database including for each individual herd member multiple data related to previous analysis of milk samples from herd members for the presence of individual compounds or parameters. 93. A method according to claim 92 where the multiple data include data selected from the group consisting of data for identifying the milking site, milk yield data, data to identify the individual herd members, data related to parity, reproduction state and lactation state of the herd members, data for time of sample collections, historical analytical data for the physiological and nutritional condition, historical data for compositions of milk samples, feeding scheme data, and disease record data. 94. A method according to claim 93 where the reproduction state and lactation state of the herd members includes data indicating points in time in the reproduction and lactation cycles. 95. A method according to of claim 93 where the disease record data includes data for previous disease treatments. 96. A method according to claim 92 where the data storage means is, or is operationally linked to, a data management system that is capable of comparing real time analytical data received from the signal detection means with data stored in the data storage means and, based thereupon, generating and transmitting an instruction message to a herd manager. 97. A method according to claim 59 or 96 using a system where the data storage means is operationally linked to a database comprising historical data indicative of the physiological and nutritional condition collected from members of one or more different milk producing animal herds, said database either being part of the system or being an external database operationally linked to the system. 98. A method according to claim 97 where the external database is operationally linked to the system via the internet. 99. A method according to claim 96 where the instruction message indicates that a specific herd member is ready for insemination or becomes pregnant. 100. A method according to claim 96 where the instruction message indicates that a specific herd member is in need of mastitis treatment. 101. A method according to claim 96 where the instruction message indicates that at least one herd member is in need of a feeding scheme adjustment. 102. A method according to claim 96 where the recipient of the instruction message is a pro-selected specialist. 103. A method according to claim 102, wherein the pre-selected specialist is a farmer, a veterinarian, or a farm management consultant. 104. A method according to claim 59 using a system where the separate means for analyzing individual compounds or parameters comprises means for performing an analysis selected from the group consisting of an enzymatically based assay, an immunologically based assay, a biosensor analysis, a biochemical assay, a spectrometric assay and a flow injection based assay. 105. A method according to claim 104 where the separate means for analyzing individual compounds or parameters comprises solid support analytical devices. 106. A method according to claim 105 where the separate means for analyzing individual compounds or parameters comprises or is operably linked to a means for storing and transporting the solid support analytical devices. 107. An apparatus for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters in a milk sample of an individual member of a milk producing animal herd, said apparatus comprising:(i) separate means for analyzing individual compounds or parameters in the milk sample, each of said separate means being capable of generating a detectable signal in the presence of an individual sample compound or parameter,(ii) means for directing a part of the milk sample to each separate analyzing means, said directing means being controlled in response to at least one change for at least one parameter in at least one individual herd member recorded by said means for storing data for a physiological condition, a nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of each individual herd member relative to the data in said means for storing data for said individual herd member, such that the directing means is only activated at pro-selected points in time or at pre-selected time intervals in the reproduction or lactation cycles, of the individual herd member or said directing means being controlled in response to a signal from said means for storing data such that the directing means is only activated at pre-selected points in time or at pre-selected time intervals in the reproduction or lactation cycles of the individual herd member. 108. An apparatus according to claim 107 further comprising means for detecting signals generated in the presence of a compound or parameter being analyzed. 109. An apparatus according to claim 107 or 108 provided with means for connecting the apparatus with at least one of:(a) means for collecting a milk sample from an individual member of said herd, said means is connectable to a herd milking system,(b) means for recognizing an identification code of the individual herd member,(c) means for storing data,(d) means for converting the detected signals to a set of data that is indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of said individual herd member,(e) means for storage of said set of data indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions for said individual herd members, and(f) data output means for producing data output. 110. An apparatus according to claim 109, wherein said means for storing data is a means for storing data on the physiological and nutritional condition state of said each individual herd member. 111. An apparatus according to claim 109, wherein said means for storing data is a means for indicating point in time in the reproduction and lactation cycles. 112. An apparatus according to claim 107, where the directing means is controlled by a data indicating point in time on the reproduction and lactation cycles of said herd member. 113. An apparatus according to claim 107 wherein the directing means is activated for at least one member of the animal herd in response to a detection of a change in at least one compound or parameter of the member of the animal herd, indicating an abnormality in the physiological or nutritional condition of the member of the animal herd. 114. An apparatus according to claim wherein the pre-selected points in time or pre-selected time intervals are scheduled subsequently to the detection. 115. A method for optimizing the production performance of a milk producing animal herd comprising a plurality of individual herd members using an automated or semi-automated system for optimizing the production performance of a milk producing animal herd, the system comprising the following interconnected means:(a) means for collecting a milk sample from an individual member of said herd, said means is connectable to a herd milking system,(b) means for recognizing a unique identification code assigned to each of the individual herd members,(c) means for storing data including data for a physiological condition, a nutritional condition or a combination of physiological and nutritional conditions of said each individual herd member or data indicating point in time in the reproduction and lactation cycles,(d) means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters in a milk sample being collected, said plurality of compounds or parameters including at least one of a compound or parameter indicative of mastitis, a compound indicative of the reproduction cycle state, at least one compound indicative of the protein balance of the herd member or at least one compound indicative of the energy balance state of the herd member, said analyzing means comprising(i) separate means for analyzing individual compounds or parameters in the milk sample, each of said separate means for analyzing individual compounds or parameters is capable of generating at least one detectable signal in the presence of an individual milk compound or parameter, and(ii) means for detecting the at least one signal generated in the presence of a compound or parameter being analyzed,(e) means for converting the at least one detected signal to a set of data that is indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of said individual herd member,(f) means for storage of said set of data indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions for said individual herd members, and(g) a means for producing data output, the method comprising the steps of:(i) collecting at a milking site a milk sample from each individual member of the herd,(ii) contacting said sample with the means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters that, in the presence of at least one compound or parameter indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of the herd member, generates at least one detectable signal,(iii) recording in the signal detection means the character of said at least one detectable signal to provide a set of analytical data indicative of the presence, the amount, or a combination of the presence and the amount of said compound or parameter,(iv) having the generated data processed to provide a set of data indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of the individual herd member, and(v) taking, on the basis of the set of data provided, appropriate steps to improve or correct the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of any of the herd members in need of such improvement or correction. 116. A method for optimizing the production performance of a milk producing animal herd comprising a plurality of individual herd members using an automated or semi-automated system for optimizing the production performance of a milk producing animal herd, the system comprising the following interconnec ted means:(a) means for collecting a milk sample from an individual member of said herd, said means is connectable to a herd milking system,(b) means for recognizing a unique identification code assigned to each of the individual herd members,(c) means for storing data including data for a physiological state condition, a nutritional condition or a combination of physiological and nutritional conditions of said each individual herd member or data indicating point in time in the reproduction and lactation cycles,(d) means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters in a milk sample being collected, said plurality of compounds or parameters including at least one of a compound or parameter indicative of mastitis, a compound indicative of the reproduction cycle state, at least one compound indicative of the protein balance of the herd member or at least one compound indicative of the energy balance state of the herd member, said analyzing means comprising(i) separate means for analyzing individual compounds or parameters in the milk sample, each of said separate means for analyzing individual compounds or parameters is capable of generating at least one detectable signal in the presence of an individual milk compound or parameter, and(ii) means for detecting the at least one signal generated in the presence of a compound or parameter being analyzed,(e) means for converting the at least one detected signal to a set of data that is indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of said individual herd member,(f) means for storage of said set of data indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions for said individual herd members, and(g) a means for producing data output, the method comprising the steps of:(i) collecting at a milking site a milk sample from each individual member of the herd,(ii) contacting said sample with the means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters that, in the presence of at least one compound or parameter indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of the herd member, generates at least one detectable signal,(iii) recording in the signal detection means the character of said at least one detectable signal to provide a set of analytical data indicative of the presence, the amount, or a combination of the presence and the amount of said compound or parameter, said character indicating a change in the presence, the amount or a combination of the presence and the amount of said compound or parameter for at least one member of the herd, relative to the date in said means for storing data, for said herd member,(iv) having the generated data processed to provide a set of data indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of the individual herd member,(v) changing the frequency or the timing of the contacting of a part of a milk sample with the analyzing means until the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of said herd member is improved or corrected, and(vi) taking, on the basis of the set of data provided, appropriate steps to improve or correct the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of any of the herd members in need of such improvement or correction. 117. A method for optimizing the production performance of a milk producing animal herd comprising a plurality of individual herd members using an automated or semi-automated system for optimizing the production performance of a milk producing animal herd, the system comprising the following interconnected means:(a) means for collecting a mi lk sample from an individual member of said herd, said means is connectable to a herd milking system,(b) means for recognizing a unique identification code assigned to each of the individual herd members,(c) means for storing data including data for a physiological state condition, a nutritional condition or a combination of physiological and nutritional conditions of said each individual herd member or data indicating point in time in the reproduction and lactation cycles,(d) means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters in a milk sample being collected, said plurality of compounds or parameters including at least two of the following: a compound or parameter indicative of mastitis, a compound indicative of the reproduction cycle state, at least one compound indicative of the protein balance of the herd member or at least one compound indicative of the energy balance state of the herd member, said analyzing means comprising(i) separate means for analyzing individual compounds or parameters in the milk sample, each of said separate means for analyzing individual compounds or parameters is capable of generating at least one detectable signal in the presence of an individual milk compound or parameter, and(ii) means for detecting the at least one signal generated in the presence of a compound or parameter being analyzed,(e) means for converting the at least one detected signal to a set of data that is indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of said individual herd member,(f) means for storage of said set of data indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions for said individual herd members, and(g) a means for producing data output, the method comprising the steps of:(i) collecting at a milking site a milk sample from each individual member of the herd,(ii) contacting said sample with the means for analyzing a plurality of compounds or parameters that, in the presence of at least one compound or parameter indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of the herd member, generates at least one detectable signal,(iii) recording in the signal detection moans the character of said at least one detectable signal to provide a set of analytical data indicative of the presence, the amount or a combination of the presence and the amount of said compound or parameter said character indicting a change the presence, the amount or a combination of the presence and the amount of said compound or parameter for at least one member of the herd, relative to the data in said means for storing data, for said herd member,(iv) having the generated data processed to provide a set of data indicative of the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of the individual herd member,(v) changing the frequency or the timing of the contacting of a part of a milk sample with the analyzing means until the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of the physiological and nutritional conditions of said herd member is improvement or corrected, and(vi) taking, on the basis of the set of data provided, appropriate steps to improve or correct the physiological condition, the nutritional condition or a combination of such improvement or correction.