The milking machine for goats is quite simple. There are several types of such equipment. It must be used according to certain rules. When choosing a milking machine, a number of important criteria must be taken into account. You can make such equipment on your own.
Principle of operation of the device
Any milking machine imitates udder sucking, that is, a natural process. Such an imitation is provided by the creation of a vacuum.
The mechanism of operation of the equipment is provided by the following components:
- Special glasses are put on the nipples of the animal. The goat milking machine has two cups. The milking cups are supplied with clamps. Silicone inserts or suction cups can be used instead. The vacuum in the teat cups is provided by a special hose. Teat cups can be made of metal or durable plastic.
- The device necessarily provides for the presence of teat rubber, and with three-stroke milking – also rings with a milk pipe. During the operation of the milking machine, sucking alternates with compression. With three-stroke milking, rest is also provided.
- The operation of the milking machine is provided by an engine to which a pump is connected. The milk flows through the milk hose into the tank. It can be a classic can or a bucket with a resealable lid. The inner lining is hygienic.
- Both milk and vacuum hoses are located inside the teat cup. They are separated by a sealed inter-wall chamber.
- The milking cluster can be equipped with a pulsator or a piston pump. The pulsator is necessary to create pulsations in the interwall chamber. They provide compression of the nipples. The valve pump performs similar functions.
Varieties
Milking equipment can be two stroke or three stroke. The first device is simpler: the nipple is compressed, then the milk is pumped out. In the case of a three-stroke apparatus, a break is performed between two compressions. It is necessary to return the nipples of the animal to its natural state. This ensures the restoration of blood supply and reduces the risk of various health problems.
Milking machines for goats also differ in the type of engine:
- Dry engine differs in noisy work and certain features at service. Its advantage over an oil engine is that it does not require regular oil refills. Its work is provided by moving graphite or textolite plates inside the pump rotor. They need to be changed periodically.
- Work oil engine provided by the constant movement of oil in the structure. The noise is much less. This option leaves the risk of oil getting into milk, which negatively affects the quality and taste characteristics of the product.
Milking machines for goats are household and industrial. Household equipment is smaller and designed for milking one animal, while the industrial unit allows you to serve several heads at the same time.
Separately, it should be considered manual milking equipment. It facilitates little maintenance of animals, since it involves mechanical work. The pressure is applied manually or with a foot pedal. The advantage of using manual milking machines is that the process is sterile.
There are also stationary and mobile (mobile) milking equipment.
Terms of Use
The milking machine for goats is quite simple, it is easy to use. This must be done in accordance with a number of rules:
- Equip a special place for milking. A goat is a restless animal, so this measure will greatly facilitate the work and reduce the time spent on it. It is recommended to organize a special machine where you can fix the animal in a certain position. If possible, you should equip the milking place with a feeder – this will calm the animal.
- Before each use of the milking machine, disinfect it.
- Be sure to check the operation of the equipment before milking. Each teat cup must provide a vacuum.
- Before using the milking machine, it is mandatory to wash the udder of the animal. This should be done with a disinfectant solution. You can buy a ready-made product or make it yourself (more often iodine is taken as the basis).
- Before using the milking machine, it is recommended to milk some milk in a separate bowl using cheesecloth to filter. This filter must be carefully examined. If curdled lumps or filamentous inclusions are found, then you need to contact your veterinarian. The goat must be milked, the apparatus must be disinfected after it, milk cannot be used.
- Milking cups must be kept warm before use, especially if they are made of metal. If you use cold devices, you can provoke stress in the animal.
- Put on teat cups when the pressure is low. You need to increase it already during milking, and do it gradually.
- The pressure should also be reduced gradually as milking is completed. The intensity of the flow of milk into the tank indicates the approach of the process to the end. Gradually, it begins to decline as the udder empties.
- When the milk stops flowing through the milk hose, it is necessary to disconnect the suspension unit completely.
- At the end of hardware milking, it is important to monitor the timely shutdown of the equipment. If this is not ensured, dry milking of the goat may occur, which is fraught with injury.
- At the end of the process, it is imperative to feel the udder of the animal for milk residues. If they are found, you should resort to manual milking, and then check the health of the milking machine.
- After each use, the milking machine must be thoroughly washed.
- After milking, the teats of the animal must be wiped or treated using a disinfectant. When returning an animal to the herd, be sure to provide it with fresh hay and water.
Read about how many liters of milk a goat can give in the next article.
Which milking machine to choose?
It is better to choose a three-stroke milking machine. It costs more, but its principle of operation is as close as possible to the natural sucking of the udder.
When choosing between dry and oil equipment, it is important to consider that for the latter it is necessary to always have a supply of oil. Such an engine makes much less noise, which is very important for shy and nervous goats. Oil-filled equipment may not start in extremely cold weather.
If you equip a milking machine, then you can use stationary equipment. If necessary, organize the process on grazing, you should get a mobile device.
When choosing household or industrial equipment, you need to focus on the number of heads. An industrial device is advisable when more than a dozen animals require maintenance.
When buying a milking machine of any type and brand, it is necessary to check its serviceability and the availability of all necessary components. All units must be securely fastened, the equipment must be accompanied by an instruction manual. The manufacturer must give a guarantee for their products.
Browse popular models
On the market there are various milking machines manufactured in Russia and neighboring countries. The following models are popular:
- Mayga. This two-stroke milking machine is stationary. The pump is not provided – you can buy it in addition or connect the device to existing equipment. When changing teat cups, the machine can be used for cows. The can is designed for 18 liters. The device makes 60 pulsations per minute. The cost of this model is about 7300 rubles. Her weight is 7,5 kg.
- Doyushka. This milking machine is mobile. It can serve up to 10 animals per hour. Several configuration options are provided. The volume of the can is 22,6 liters, the device makes 64 pulsations per minute. The cost of this model is approximately 22000 rubles. She weighs 45 kg.
- Hades-2. This milking machine is mobile and can be made of aluminum or stainless steel. Serves up to 10 heads per hour. The can is designed for 19 liters. The device makes 61 pulsations per minute. The average cost of equipment is 25500 rubles. It weighs 60 kg.
- Burenka. The device is mobile, serves up to 15 animals per hour. Can for 22,6 liters. Such equipment costs about 19000 rubles, and weighs 45 kg.
- ADE-02. Such two-stroke equipment is mobile. The milking bucket is designed for 20 liters. 3 goats can be milked without interruption, with a minimum interval of 5 animals. The cost of the device is 23500 thousand rubles, it weighs 34 kg.
All listed models come with a 12 month warranty. The equipment is certified.
Do-it-yourself milking machine for goats
Milking equipment can be made on your own. To do this, you need to stock up on certain materials:
- Pump. For self-production of the milking machine, you can use both a vacuum and an oil pump.
- Engine. It can be manual, mechanical or electric. The choice is usually based on their own financial capabilities.
- Pulsator. The optimal frequency is 60 pulsations per minute.
- Hoses. It is better to choose transparent polypropylene hoses. They withstand high temperatures well, so hot water can be used for washing. Another plus is that milk is clearly visible in a transparent hose, so it is easier to control the milking process and determine its completion.
- Milking glasses. The best option is transparent plastic. This is a fairly durable material, and its transparency again provides visibility into the process. The size of the glasses is also important – the nipples of the animal should be covered tightly, but at the same time do not squeeze them strongly.
- Silicone tips. Such a device provides better contact between the teat cups and the udder of the animal.
- Milk container. It has certain hygiene requirements. Usually an enameled container or stainless steel utensils are used.
To make a milking machine on your own, you need minimal technical knowledge. When choosing components and assembling them, you should focus on existing models of equipment – all the parameters in them are chosen correctly.
You can also make a manual milking machine on your own. For this you will need:
- medical syringes – you need 2 pieces, the volume should be oriented to the size of the animal’s nipples (average 60 ml);
- hoses – it is better to use silicone tools;
- tee for tubes;
- hose clamps;
- nuts;
- plastic fitting;
- a jar with a metal screw cap;
- manual vacuum pump.
Assembling such a milking machine is quite simple:
- Remove plungers from syringes.
- Instead of needles, attach short silicone tubes.
- Using a tee, connect the short silicone tubes to the longer hose.
- Fasten the nuts to the metal roof.
- Attach silicone hoses to the lid: one goes to the branch to the syringes, the pump is connected to the other.
This design is extremely easy to assemble and operate. It is easily disassembled, which allows you to quickly wash all the necessary parts. If any element breaks, it is very easy to replace it. The most expensive part is the hand pump.
For information on how to make a do-it-yourself milking machine for goats, as well as fixture measurements and tips, see the following video:
A goat milking machine is a useful piece of equipment on the farm. It greatly facilitates the work of the farmer. You can purchase one of the models of finished equipment or make it yourself. In any case, the milking machine assumes a certain device and principle of operation.
