The present invention provides an apparatus for real-time determination of milk characteristics, the device including an input for accepting a mixed flow of milk; an output for providing the mixed flow of milk to a holding unit; a photographic element for obtaining intermittent photographs of the mixed flow of milk; a temperature sensing element for obtaining continuous temperature readings from the mixed flow of milk, and a pair of light (such as, but not limited to, NIR) emitters and corresponding detectors for obtaining volume and fat readings from the mixed flow of milk. Also contemplated is a method for real-time determination of milk characteristics using the disclosed apparatus.
