Open Source Ecology - User contributions [en]

Ruminants

2012-02-26T00:29:06Z

Sara Dzimianski:

{{Breadcrumb|Food and Agriculture|Animal Husbandry}}
[[File:Goats1.jpg|right|400px]]To convert grasses, broadleaf, and misc vegetation to food we need ruminants, but which ones? This page intends to explore the common ruminants of goats, cattle, sheep and come up with an optimal grazing strategy for given landscapes.

See also: [[Rabbits]]

http://www.caf.wvu.edu/avs/sheep/PDF/Newsletters/NLSPRING05.pdf
This study here suggests that given cattle's strong preference for grass and goat's ability to munch a grass and other vegetation that a mixed grazing system may be optimal. Sheep also can be thrown in the mix particularly if wool is desired. These could all be raised on the same pasture by rotating them through cells (see below).

{{Wanted|Some organic farmers are interested in unconventional, locally-adapted ruminants like buffalo, deer, antelope etc. Some discussion of this would be cool}}

==Goats==

====Land Requirement====

[http://media.eatwisconsincheese.com/dairyimpact/statistics/dairyStatistics.aspx US Dairy Statistics] indicate a total milk production of 287 kg (633 lb) per person, which is then used for direct consumption as fluid, and for making dairy products such as cheese. An average Saanen dairy goat produces 3.8 kg (1 gallon) of milk per day [http://www.adga.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=325:arc09breedavg&catid=46:production-testing&Itemid=200], thus requiring 0.2 producing goats per person. For a community of 200, therefore 41 milking goats are needed on a year-round average basis if goats are the sole ruminant. The adult goat to milking goat ratio is 5:4, giving a total adult herd size of 50, plus kids, which are a byproduct of the milk production. Standard lactation length for milking dairy does is 305 days, however does may be milked longer. Does milked continuously without re-breeding for two or more years will drop production by about 50% in the winter but return to normal production in the spring.

For temperate regions with good soil, you can stock approximately 12 goats/ha (5/acre), thus giving a required pasture area of [TBD] for a community of 200. The following additional factors should be considered in order to fit goats/livestock into a community project:

:* '''Mixed Land Use''' - For example, hosting other species to more fully use what the pasture grows, or mixing timber with goats to graze the underbrush to get dual use of the land.
:* '''Long Term Fertility''' - depletion/additions from animal wastes and how that affects the net requirement for soil inputs to maintain fertility.
:* '''By Products''' - Besides milk, livestock produce meat, leather, and slaughter wastes.
:* '''Surplus for Income''' - Possibly raising a surplus of products to sell, in order to purchase items the community cannot make on their own.
:* '''Legal Requirements''' - Obviously you want the products to be safe to use, but consider the options of sole proprietor vs community ownership of the herd, and internal use only vs sale of products, and how that affects legal overhead and qualifications of staff doing the work.
:* '''Bootstrapping''' - Smallest starting herd would be 1 goat, but obviously you need at least two to breed, and a rational expansion plan to go from a minimal starting point to an efficient herd size, after which you replicate the herd and facilities as needed.

====Facility and Equipment Requirement====

* '''Shelter''' - Approx 1 square meter (10 sq ft) per animal during bad weather.
* '''Milking & Creamery''' - Size, Layout, and detailed equipment TBD. Equipment is needed to milk the animals, possibly slaughter them, store and bottle milk and produce cheese and other products from it.

'''*** Need references to existing facility and equipment designs here ***'''

====Breeds====
'''Dairy Breeds'''

Alpine

Guernsey

LaMancha

Nubian

Oberhasli

Saanen

Sable

Toggenburg

'''Meat Breeds'''

Boer

Genemaster

Kiko

Myatonic

Savannah

Spanish

Fiber Breeds

Angora

Cashmere

'''
Dual Purpose Breeds'''
*http://www.kindergoats.com/ - Most people are not aware of a small meat/dairy goat called the Kinder [spoken "Kin-dur".] It was developed over 30 years ago and has gained great success in competing against its larger cousins. This little goat will produce a gallon of milk a day, is much more feed efficient than other breeds, is small so easy to handle (especially the bucks) and is stocky so makes for better meat than the other dairy breeds. Another advantage over other breeds is that the Kinder will breed all year long so you can rotate your milking does and always have plenty of milk. The milk is also higher in protein and butterfat so better for making cheese. This little goat was developed for the small farmstead. The primary lady behind this breed is a long time prepper and has always believed the Kinder will get the job done when other goats fail. For further information, see KinderGoat.com or contact Pat Showalter, primary founder and president of the Kinder Goat Breeder's Association at kinderzed@aol.com.
'''
Miniature Breeds'''

Nigerian Dwarf

Pygmy

Miniaturized Standard breeds

==Mob-grazing / cell-grazing==
In the wild, herbivores gather together in tight groups for protection from predators. They graze a small area of pasture intensively, then move on to a different spot. By contrast, most farmers stock ruminants sparsely and rarely move them. Natural grazing is intensive; artificial grazing is extensive.

The form of grazing championed by [http://www.savoryinstitute.com/ The Savory Institute] and [http://polyfacefarms.com Polyface Farms] aims to replicate the natural grazing patterns of ruminants. The pasture is divided up into small cells by electric fencing connected to [[batteries]]. This fencing is very light and easy to rearrange. The entire herd is corralled into one cell at a very high density (e.g. 100 cows in a half-acre cell) and allowed to graze there for one day before being moved to the next cell. The livestock do their rounds of the pasture, one cell at a time. Each cell is grazed only a few days a year, and spends the rest of the time regrowing vegetation. (Permaculturalists will notice that this is the same method as the 'chicken tractor'; corralling livestock onto a small area for short periods of time to graze and improve the soil with manure and trampling/scratching.) You must observe how long it takes the vegetation to regrow; return the livestock to the cell when the vegetation has just finished its growth spurt and is entering maturity. 50-100 days is a typical regrowth time.

The animals improve the soil by trampling and cultivating it, and with their manure. And when they mow down the forage, it drops its roots into the soil, where they rot and improve the soil further. The livestock do not just eat plain grass, but a whole range of grasses, groundcovers and weeds. This varied diet results in healthier animals, lower veterinary costs, and tastier meat. The key to the whole system is good soil, which allows forage to grow faster. Apart from the natural soil-improving effect of mob-grazing, amending the soil with [[:Category:Soil and compost|compost]], [[worms]], [[biochar]] and [[Nitrogen Fixation|nitrogen-fixing]] trees will further increase productivity. Ultimately, farming livestock comes down to farming forage. Cell-grazing on optimized soil allows for much higher stocking densities than would otherwise be possible; Polyface Farms stock about one cow per 1.5 acres and The Rodale Institute have one cow per 1.8 acres, compared to one cow per 18 acres for extensive pastures.

*[http://www.savoryinstitute.com/ The Savory Institute]
*[http://polyfacefarms.com Polyface Farms] - they use a complex system in which cows, turkeys, pigs, chickens, hens and [[rabbits]] are rotated around the cells on a precise schedule.
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQPN1O03z8I#t=10m47s TED talk mentioning Polyface Farm]. Note the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQPN1O03z8I#t=14m22s huge yields].
*[http://vimeo.com/8239427 Lecture by Allan Savory] - long but eye-opening.
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mftwXBAwnBU What mob-grazing looks like]
*A YouTube serach for 'Polyface Farms' or 'Joel Salatin' yields a lot more information. They believe in transparency and in disseminating information about their farming methods to the public.
*http://newfarm.rodaleinstitute.org/features/2006/0606/grazingtall/collins.shtml - An article from The Rodale Institute on their grazing methods. Talks about timing, recovery, and the effects of mob-grazing on carbon and water flows. They graze 400-800 cows/acre (or 1,000-2,000 per hectare).

==Silvopasture==
Silvopasture refers to growing trees in pasture. This provides shade and forage for the animals, and improves the soil.

==Using ponds in pasture==
Reeds on the edge of water grow much faster than land-based forage can - see [[aquaculture]]. You can use this to grow extra forage - and therefore produce more meat - by letting ruminants graze along the edge of a pond. The edge of the pond should be crinkly, not straight, to maximize the edge area in which reeds can grow.

Ruminants

2012-02-25T23:37:04Z

Sara Dzimianski: Added breed headings, added a hyperlink to production information and added some details to Land Requirement section.

{{Breadcrumb|Food and Agriculture|Animal Husbandry}}
[[File:Goats1.jpg|right|400px]]To convert grasses, broadleaf, and misc vegetation to food we need ruminants, but which ones? This page intends to explore the common ruminants of goats, cattle, sheep and come up with an optimal grazing strategy for given landscapes.

See also: [[Rabbits]]

http://www.caf.wvu.edu/avs/sheep/PDF/Newsletters/NLSPRING05.pdf
This study here suggests that given cattle's strong preference for grass and goat's ability to munch a grass and other vegetation that a mixed grazing system may be optimal. Sheep also can be thrown in the mix particularly if wool is desired. These could all be raised on the same pasture by rotating them through cells (see below).

{{Wanted|Some organic farmers are interested in unconventional, locally-adapted ruminants like buffalo, deer, antelope etc. Some discussion of this would be cool}}

==Goats==

====Land Requirement====

[http://media.eatwisconsincheese.com/dairyimpact/statistics/dairyStatistics.aspx US Dairy Statistics] indicate a total milk production of 287 kg (633 lb) per person, which is then used for direct consumption as fluid, and for making dairy products such as cheese. An average Saanen dairy goat produces 3.8 kg (1 gallon) of milk per day [http://www.adga.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=325:arc09breedavg&catid=46:production-testing&Itemid=200], thus requiring 0.2 producing goats per person. For a community of 200, therefore 41 milking goats are needed on a year-round average basis if goats are the sole ruminant. The adult goat to milking goat ratio is 5:4, giving a total adult herd size of 50, plus kids, which are a byproduct of the milk production. Standard lactation length for milking dairy does is 305 days, however does may be milked longer. Does milked continuously without re-breeding for two or more years will drop production by about 50% in the winter but return to normal production in the spring.

For temperate regions with good soil, you can stock approximately 12 goats/ha (5/acre), thus giving a required pasture area of [TBD] for a community of 200. The following additional factors should be considered in order to fit goats/livestock into a community project:

:* '''Mixed Land Use''' - For example, hosting other species to more fully use what the pasture grows, or mixing timber with goats to graze the underbrush to get dual use of the land.
:* '''Long Term Fertility''' - depletion/additions from animal wastes and how that affects the net requirement for soil inputs to maintain fertility.
:* '''By Products''' - Besides milk, livestock produce meat, leather, and slaughter wastes.
:* '''Surplus for Income''' - Possibly raising a surplus of products to sell, in order to purchase items the community cannot make on their own.
:* '''Legal Requirements''' - Obviously you want the products to be safe to use, but consider the options of sole proprietor vs community ownership of the herd, and internal use only vs sale of products, and how that affects legal overhead and qualifications of staff doing the work.
:* '''Bootstrapping''' - Smallest starting herd would be 1 goat, but obviously you need at least two to breed, and a rational expansion plan to go from a minimal starting point to an efficient herd size, after which you replicate the herd and facilities as needed.

====Facility and Equipment Requirement====

* '''Shelter''' - Approx 1 square meter (10 sq ft) per animal during bad weather.
* '''Milking & Creamery''' - Size, Layout, and detailed equipment TBD. Equipment is needed to milk the animals, possibly slaughter them, store and bottle milk and produce cheese and other products from it.

'''*** Need references to existing facility and equipment designs here ***'''

====Breeds====
'''Dairy Breeds'''

Alpine

Guernsey

LaMancha

Nubian

Oberhasli

Saanen

Sable

Toggenburg

'''Meat Breeds'''

Boer

Genemaster

Kiko

Myatonic

Savannah

Spanish

Fiber Breeds

Angora

Cashmere
'''
Dual Purpose Breeds'''
*http://www.kindergoats.com/ - Most people are not aware of a small meat/dairy goat called the Kinder [spoken "Kin-dur".] It was developed over 30 years ago and has gained great success in competing against its larger cousins. This little goat will produce a gallon of milk a day, is much more feed efficient than other breeds, is small so easy to handle (especially the bucks) and is stocky so makes for better meat than the other dairy breeds. Another advantage over other breeds is that the Kinder will breed all year long so you can rotate your milking does and always have plenty of milk. The milk is also higher in protein and butterfat so better for making cheese. This little goat was developed for the small farmstead. The primary lady behind this breed is a long time prepper and has always believed the Kinder will get the job done when other goats fail. For further information, see KinderGoat.com or contact Pat Showalter, primary founder and president of the Kinder Goat Breeder's Association at kinderzed@aol.com.
'''
Miniature Breeds'''

Nigerian Dwarf

Pygmy

Miniaturized Standard breeds

==Mob-grazing / cell-grazing==
In the wild, herbivores gather together in tight groups for protection from predators. They graze a small area of pasture intensively, then move on to a different spot. By contrast, most farmers stock ruminants sparsely and rarely move them. Natural grazing is intensive; artificial grazing is extensive.

The form of grazing championed by [http://www.savoryinstitute.com/ The Savory Institute] and [http://polyfacefarms.com Polyface Farms] aims to replicate the natural grazing patterns of ruminants. The pasture is divided up into small cells by electric fencing connected to [[batteries]]. This fencing is very light and easy to rearrange. The entire herd is corralled into one cell at a very high density (e.g. 100 cows in a half-acre cell) and allowed to graze there for one day before being moved to the next cell. The livestock do their rounds of the pasture, one cell at a time. Each cell is grazed only a few days a year, and spends the rest of the time regrowing vegetation. (Permaculturalists will notice that this is the same method as the 'chicken tractor'; corralling livestock onto a small area for short periods of time to graze and improve the soil with manure and trampling/scratching.) You must observe how long it takes the vegetation to regrow; return the livestock to the cell when the vegetation has just finished its growth spurt and is entering maturity. 50-100 days is a typical regrowth time.

The animals improve the soil by trampling and cultivating it, and with their manure. And when they mow down the forage, it drops its roots into the soil, where they rot and improve the soil further. The livestock do not just eat plain grass, but a whole range of grasses, groundcovers and weeds. This varied diet results in healthier animals, lower veterinary costs, and tastier meat. The key to the whole system is good soil, which allows forage to grow faster. Apart from the natural soil-improving effect of mob-grazing, amending the soil with [[:Category:Soil and compost|compost]], [[worms]], [[biochar]] and [[Nitrogen Fixation|nitrogen-fixing]] trees will further increase productivity. Ultimately, farming livestock comes down to farming forage. Cell-grazing on optimized soil allows for much higher stocking densities than would otherwise be possible; Polyface Farms stock about one cow per 1.5 acres and The Rodale Institute have one cow per 1.8 acres, compared to one cow per 18 acres for extensive pastures.

*[http://www.savoryinstitute.com/ The Savory Institute]
*[http://polyfacefarms.com Polyface Farms] - they use a complex system in which cows, turkeys, pigs, chickens, hens and [[rabbits]] are rotated around the cells on a precise schedule.
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQPN1O03z8I#t=10m47s TED talk mentioning Polyface Farm]. Note the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQPN1O03z8I#t=14m22s huge yields].
*[http://vimeo.com/8239427 Lecture by Allan Savory] - long but eye-opening.
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mftwXBAwnBU What mob-grazing looks like]
*A YouTube serach for 'Polyface Farms' or 'Joel Salatin' yields a lot more information. They believe in transparency and in disseminating information about their farming methods to the public.
*http://newfarm.rodaleinstitute.org/features/2006/0606/grazingtall/collins.shtml - An article from The Rodale Institute on their grazing methods. Talks about timing, recovery, and the effects of mob-grazing on carbon and water flows. They graze 400-800 cows/acre (or 1,000-2,000 per hectare).

==Silvopasture==
Silvopasture refers to growing trees in pasture. This provides shade and forage for the animals, and improves the soil.

==Using ponds in pasture==
Reeds on the edge of water grow much faster than land-based forage can - see [[aquaculture]]. You can use this to grow extra forage - and therefore produce more meat - by letting ruminants graze along the edge of a pond. The edge of the pond should be crinkly, not straight, to maximize the edge area in which reeds can grow.

Talk:Dairy Milker

2012-02-25T16:25:12Z

Sara Dzimianski: Discussion of dairy needs beyond the milker.

'''The Holistic View of the Dairy'''

When we talk about the dairy milker, we must remember that the system described herein is a basic individual unit called the "bucket milker." There is also a milking system called a "pipeline milker" which transports milk directly to the refrigerated bulk tank using a combination of vacuum and pumps. Milk from bucket milkers must be poured through a filter into the bulk tank whereas milk from a pipeline milker is contained within a closed system which helps prevent contamination. Bucket milkers are good for very small dairies, but tend to be problematic in larger dairies.

It is important to remember that expressing the milk is only the first step toward dairy production. We must then have a place for milk storage (bulk tank), and the capability to process the milk for human consumption (pasteurizer, cheese vat, bottler, etc.). All of this equipment must be taken into consideration when we develop our dairy system. Not only does the dairy need to have equipment meeting Pasteurized Milk Ordinance standards, it also needs to have a building that meets these standards. Compressed Earth Blocks are probably not appropriate for this type of building since creameries are required to have water-impervious walls that can be washed down.

Dairy Milker/Research Development

2012-02-24T21:32:13Z

Sara Dzimianski: Adding hyperlink for information purposes

{{OrigLang}}
{{ToolTemplate|ToolName=Dairy Milker}}

==Research==

*'''Dairy Milker Function''' is to express milk from dairy cows, buffalo, goats or sheep. The milker described in this article is known as a "bucket milker" which may be set up to milk one or two dairy animals at a time, evacuating the milk from the udder into a specially designed pail.

===Theory===

*'''Pulsator speed''' - is the number of vacuum/air cycles that the pulsator achieves per interval of time. The pulsator speed should be around 50-60 per minute.

*'''Pulse Ratio''' - is the ratio of time alloted to vacuum and atmospheric air entry per pulsator cycle. The pulse ratio should be around 50:50.

*'''Regulated Vacuum Pressure''' - is the vacuum pressure level at which the dairy milker normally operates. The regulated vacuum pressure should be around 11-13 inches of mercury.

*'''Vacuum Fluctuation''' - is the difference between vacuum pressure applied to the teats at different times. The vacuum fluctuation should not exceed 2 inches of mercury.

===Relevant Links===

[http://www.dairyman.ca/DPP/DPP_Milking_Sample.pdf Milking and Milk Quality]

[http://www.freewebs.com/cottoneyeddoes/buildingyourownmilker.htm Building Your Own Dairy Milking Unit]

===Conceptual Notes===

*

==Development==

===Overview===

*'''Milking Unit''' are the components that attach to the dairy cow and produce pulses for alternating vacuum/atmospheric air entry cycles

*'''Vacuum System''' is the components that produce and regulate the vacuum level

*[[File:dairymilkeroverview.jpg|thumb|200px|Overview]]

===Milking Unit===

*'''Inflation''' - is the component that attaches onto the teats of the dairy animal. It provides a seal for the vacuum as the milk is expressed from the udder. The inflation lines the teatcup and can be made of rubber or silicone. Silicone inflations tend to be longer-lasting. The inflation has two segments, a mouthpiece and a barrel. The mouthpiece makes contact with the teats while the barrel fits inside the teatcup shell.

[[File:teatcup.jpg|thumb|300px|Inflation and Shell Example]]

*'''Teatcup Shell''' - is the component that contains the inflation. The teatcup shell is a hollow cylinder with an opening at the top for the mouthpiece of the inflation, an opening at the bottom for the barrel of the inflation, and an opening at the side for connection to the short pulse tube. For durability, the teatcup shell should be made of stainless steel or foodgrade heavy duty clear plastic. Shells and inflations are inexpensive and can be purchased in varying sizes from many dairy suppliers.

*'''Short Milk Tube''' - is the component that connects the bottom of the teatcup liner barrel to the top of the collection bucket. Milk flows from the teatcup liner through the short milk tube to the collection bucket.

*'''Short Pulse Tube''' - is the component that connects the side of the teatcup shell to the pulsator.

*'''Collection Bucket''' - is the component that accumulates the milk yielded from the dairy animal.

[[File:bucket.jpg|thumb|300px|Collection Bucket]]

*'''Collection Lid''' - is a round narrow metal disk that covers the top of the collection bucket, mounts the pulsator, and connects to the short milk tubes.

[[File:lidpulsator.jpg|thumb|300px|Pulsator, Collection Lid, Long Pulse Tube (Left), Short Pulse Tubes (Middle), Short Milk Tubes (Right)]]

*'''Collection Gasket''' - is a round rubber component that seals between the collection bucket and collection lid.

[[File:gasket.jpg|thumb|300px|Gasket]]

*'''Pulsator''' - is the machine that alternates between applying vacuum at the teatcups and admitting air at atmospheric pressure to the teatcups
**Normal pulsator rate (rate of opening and closing) is 60 per minute. Pulsation ratio (vacuum time to air entry time) can be 50:50.
**1 port to pulse line to vacuum reservoir
**1 port to long pulse tube to claw
**1 port to atmosphere
**Runs on DC current, usually 12V or 24V

*'''Long Pulse Tube''' - is the component that connects the vacuum reservoir to the pulsator.

===Vacuum System===

*'''Vacuum Gauge''' - measures the vacuum level in the vacuum system and outputs an analog reading.

*'''Vacuum Reserve Tank''' - can be a series of pipes that distribute vacuum to the pulsator and buffer the vacuum level when air enters the vacuum system.

*'''Vacuum Pump Filter''' - is the component connected to the intake of the vacuum pump that prevents particulates from entering and damaging the vacuum pump.

*'''Vacuum Pump''' - is the component that produces a vacuum in the vacuum system.

[[File:vacuumpump.jpg|thumb|300px|Vacuum Pump with Built-in Regulator and Gauge]]

*'''Vacuum Regulator''' - prevents vacuum level from increasing excessively by allowing air into the vacuum system when the vacuum level reaches a preset value

*'''Vacuum Relief Valve''' - prevents vacuum level from increasing excessively by allowing air into the vacuum system when the vacuum level reaches a preset value in case the vacuum regulator fails

*'''Sanitary Trap''' - prevents liquid and particulates from the milking unit entering the vacuum system

===Design===

*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Requirements|Requirements]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Speed|Speed]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Throughput|Throughput]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Weight|Weight]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Size Constraints|Size Constraints]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Feed stock|Feed stock]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Design Description|Design Description]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Calculations - energy, efficiency|Calculations]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Drawings and Diagrams|Drawings and Diagrams]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Concept and Alternatives|Concept and Alternatives]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Full Design Views|Full Design Views]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Cut-away Views|Cut-away Views]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Exploded Parts View|Exploded Parts View]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/3D Renders|3D Renders]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Decisions|Decisions]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Project Team|Project Team]]

===Industry Standards===

Pasteurized Milk Ordinance
[http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/Product-SpecificInformation/MilkSafety/NationalConferenceonInterstateMilkShipmentsNCIMSModelDocuments/PasteurizedMilkOrdinance2007/default.htm]

{| cellpadding="6" cellspacing="2" border="1" align="center"
|-align="center"
! '''Industry Standard'''
! '''GVCSTool'''

|}

===Funding===

{{wanted|List of expenses for prototyping and documenting GVCSTool}}

===Peer Reviews===

{{wanted|Peer reviews from the scientific community regarding the R&D of GVCSTool}}

===Experiments and Prototypes===

{{wanted|Empirical data on performance}}

====Experimental Results====

====Prototype Notes, Observations, etc.====

===Failure Mode Analysis===

===Testing Results===

===Recommendations for Improvement===

Dairy Milker/Research Development

2012-02-24T21:10:15Z

Sara Dzimianski: Expanded on definitions within the article. Corrected some terminology.

{{OrigLang}}
{{ToolTemplate|ToolName=Dairy Milker}}

==Research==

*'''Dairy Milker Function''' is to express milk from dairy cows, buffalo, goats or sheep. The milker described in this article is known as a "bucket milker" which may be set up to milk one or two dairy animals at a time, evacuating the milk from the udder into a specially designed pail.

===Theory===

*'''Pulsator speed''' - is the number of vacuum/air cycles that the pulsator achieves per interval of time. The pulsator speed should be around 50-60 per minute.

*'''Pulse Ratio''' - is the ratio of time alloted to vacuum and atmospheric air entry per pulsator cycle. The pulse ratio should be around 50:50.

*'''Regulated Vacuum Pressure''' - is the vacuum pressure level at which the dairy milker normally operates. The regulated vacuum pressure should be around 11-13 inches of mercury.

*'''Vacuum Fluctuation''' - is the difference between vacuum pressure applied to the teats at different times. The vacuum fluctuation should not exceed 2 inches of mercury.

===Relevant Links===

[http://www.dairyman.ca/DPP/DPP_Milking_Sample.pdf Milking and Milk Quality]

[http://www.freewebs.com/cottoneyeddoes/buildingyourownmilker.htm Building Your Own Dairy Milking Unit]

===Conceptual Notes===

*

==Development==

===Overview===

*'''Milking Unit''' are the components that attach to the dairy cow and produce pulses for alternating vacuum/atmospheric air entry cycles

*'''Vacuum System''' is the components that produce and regulate the vacuum level

*[[File:dairymilkeroverview.jpg|thumb|200px|Overview]]

===Milking Unit===

*'''Inflation''' - is the component that attaches onto the teats of the dairy animal. It provides a seal for the vacuum as the milk is expressed from the udder. The inflation lines the teatcup and can be made of rubber or silicone. Silicone inflations tend to be longer-lasting. The inflation has two segments, a mouthpiece and a barrel. The mouthpiece makes contact with the teats while the barrel fits inside the teatcup shell.

[[File:teatcup.jpg|thumb|300px|Inflation and Shell Example]]

*'''Teatcup Shell''' - is the component that contains the inflation. The teatcup shell is a hollow cylinder with an opening at the top for the mouthpiece of the inflation, an opening at the bottom for the barrel of the inflation, and an opening at the side for connection to the short pulse tube. For durability, the teatcup shell should be made of stainless steel or foodgrade heavy duty clear plastic. Shells and inflations are inexpensive and can be purchased in varying sizes from many dairy suppliers.

*'''Short Milk Tube''' - is the component that connects the bottom of the teatcup liner barrel to the top of the collection bucket. Milk flows from the teatcup liner through the short milk tube to the collection bucket.

*'''Short Pulse Tube''' - is the component that connects the side of the teatcup shell to the pulsator.

*'''Collection Bucket''' - is the component that accumulates the milk yielded from the dairy animal.

[[File:bucket.jpg|thumb|300px|Collection Bucket]]

*'''Collection Lid''' - is a round narrow metal disk that covers the top of the collection bucket, mounts the pulsator, and connects to the short milk tubes.

[[File:lidpulsator.jpg|thumb|300px|Pulsator, Collection Lid, Long Pulse Tube (Left), Short Pulse Tubes (Middle), Short Milk Tubes (Right)]]

*'''Collection Gasket''' - is a round rubber component that seals between the collection bucket and collection lid.

[[File:gasket.jpg|thumb|300px|Gasket]]

*'''Pulsator''' - is the machine that alternates between applying vacuum at the teatcups and admitting air at atmospheric pressure to the teatcups
**Normal pulsator rate (rate of opening and closing) is 60 per minute. Pulsation ratio (vacuum time to air entry time) can be 50:50.
**1 port to pulse line to vacuum reservoir
**1 port to long pulse tube to claw
**1 port to atmosphere
**Runs on DC current, usually 12V or 24V

*'''Long Pulse Tube''' - is the component that connects the vacuum reservoir to the pulsator.

===Vacuum System===

*'''Vacuum Gauge''' - measures the vacuum level in the vacuum system and outputs an analog reading.

*'''Vacuum Reserve Tank''' - can be a series of pipes that distribute vacuum to the pulsator and buffer the vacuum level when air enters the vacuum system.

*'''Vacuum Pump Filter''' - is the component connected to the intake of the vacuum pump that prevents particulates from entering and damaging the vacuum pump.

*'''Vacuum Pump''' - is the component that produces a vacuum in the vacuum system.

[[File:vacuumpump.jpg|thumb|300px|Vacuum Pump with Built-in Regulator and Gauge]]

*'''Vacuum Regulator''' - prevents vacuum level from increasing excessively by allowing air into the vacuum system when the vacuum level reaches a preset value

*'''Vacuum Relief Valve''' - prevents vacuum level from increasing excessively by allowing air into the vacuum system when the vacuum level reaches a preset value in case the vacuum regulator fails

*'''Sanitary Trap''' - prevents liquid and particulates from the milking unit entering the vacuum system

===Design===

*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Requirements|Requirements]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Speed|Speed]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Throughput|Throughput]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Weight|Weight]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Size Constraints|Size Constraints]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Feed stock|Feed stock]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Design Description|Design Description]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Calculations - energy, efficiency|Calculations]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Drawings and Diagrams|Drawings and Diagrams]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Concept and Alternatives|Concept and Alternatives]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Full Design Views|Full Design Views]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Cut-away Views|Cut-away Views]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Exploded Parts View|Exploded Parts View]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/3D Renders|3D Renders]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Decisions|Decisions]]
*[[GVCSTool/Research Development/Project Team|Project Team]]

===Industry Standards===

{| cellpadding="6" cellspacing="2" border="1" align="center"
|-align="center"
! '''Industry Standard'''
! '''GVCSTool'''

|}

===Funding===

{{wanted|List of expenses for prototyping and documenting GVCSTool}}

===Peer Reviews===

{{wanted|Peer reviews from the scientific community regarding the R&D of GVCSTool}}

===Experiments and Prototypes===

{{wanted|Empirical data on performance}}

====Experimental Results====

====Prototype Notes, Observations, etc.====

===Failure Mode Analysis===

===Testing Results===

===Recommendations for Improvement===