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Milking TipsMilking your dairy goat leads to the biggest reward of having these wonderful creatures - the delicious benefits! But there are a few tricks to it, and a few supplies you should have on hand before you get started.
A Stand...and a Little PeaceUnlike cows, even your larger saanen will be a bit short, which will make it challenging to get a bucket under her, let anone get your hands under there.That's why a stand - a raised platform for her to stand on - is really useful, and downright crucial if you have a nigerian dwarf. Like all intelligent critters, she can be trained to jump onto the platform if you offer her a treat at her twice-daily sessions. So offer her a small bowl of grain or beet pulp. The pulp tastes like candy and will help increase her flow. And be sure to set the stand in a nice secluded place where there won't be distractions. Human mamas don't appreciate people coming and going and loud noises when they are breastfeeding. In the same way, your nubians will appreciate a little quiet as well. The Essential Stainless Steel Pail and StrainerNever use a plastic pail. Bacteria will get into the pores of the plastic and will be impossible to remove.It will contaminate your product, and you'll end up with something that's unfit for consumption. Also, avoid an aluminum container. If the aluminum gets scratched, bacteria can get into the scratches as well. Instead, use a stainless steel container. You will also need a strainer that holds disposable strainer pads. You can find these at a farm-supply store. Pour your end product through a strainer and store it in large quart glass jars or a stainless steel container. Keep Things Clean
The nice thing about the raw product that comes out of your nubian or nigerian dwarf is there isn't as much of a danger of salmonella or e-coli. That's due to the poop factor.A cow produces a messy feces, but goats produce a small, dry pellet that's easy to clean up and seldom sticks to the udders. All the same, it's crucial to clean the udders before you start. The udders may not have feces, but they can have bacteria. If left on the teat end, it could enter the udder and cause mastitis - a condition that makes life miserable for your milker and produces pus in the end product. To avoid this, be sure to wipe the udders with udder wipes or a damp, clean cloth. The First Few Squeezes Go Into a Separate CupThose first few squeezes may contain bacteria or solid materials you won't want in something you plan to give to loved ones. Also, if your product is pink, that's a sign your milker has mastitis.Observe those first few squeezes and then throw them out. How To Get The Stuff Out
Place your thumb and forefinger at the top of the teat near the udder. Squeeze gently, but firmly.This will keep the milk that is in the teat from back flowing. Now bring in your other fingers. First the middle finger, then the ring finger and finally the little finger. Bring each finger down a fraction before the next. Do it right, and a white stream will appear. Never pull down on the teats. Use both hands, squeezing one teat and then the other in a rhythm. Keep at it until the udder is no longer full and you can no longer squeeze out any liquid. Remove the pail and then wipe the teats again. If necessary, add udder cream. Keep Things Cool
Don't let your precious white liquid stand while you finish your chores. Instead, store it immediately in a refrigerator, preferably on the bottom shelf.Your goal is to cool it down to 38 degrees Fahrenheit within an hour of getting it. Also, don't add fresh milk to cold milk. If you do store it in glass jars, keep them out of the light to preserve the flavor. Be a Clean FreakTo make certain all the bacteria is removed from your equipment, take the following steps:Rinse everything with cold water. Warm or hot water cooks the casein and can lead to a buildup. Never let the milk dry in your equipment. Then rinse your equipment again with warm water and use an alkaline detergent. This will remove all fatty acids, protein and bacteria. About once a week, use an acid detergent to remove the milky deposits on your equipment. Afterwards, use a stiff brush and wash your equipment in hot, soapy water. Rinse your equipment in lots of hot water and a chlorine or iodine compound. Invert your equipment on a rack and allow them to air dry. Do not dry with a towel. Both alkaline and acid cleansers can be found at feed supply stores and online. More Goat LinksThe Homestead Goat.Tips on choosing the right breed of goat. Keeping the Backyard Goat. How to care for your goats. The right feeder for goats Learn essential kidding tips. |
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