How much milk does a goat give under favorable conditions

Goat milk is a product that contains a huge amount of vitamins and minerals. In order to receive milk every day, it is advisable to start your own farm if you live in a rural area. If you make such a decision, you need to know the answers to the following questions – how to properly milk a goat and how much milk a goat gives per day or per day. Below you will find answers to these and other questions.

How much milk does a goat give per day

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When will the goat’s milk appear?

A goat is a mammal, and the milk produced by it is intended for feeding goats. But due to a special hormonal background, the female has a developed udder even before lambing. And if we are talking about dairy breeds of goats, then even the smallest udder is filled with milk. But during such a period it is not recommended to milk the animal, limit yourself only to washing the udder.

After lambing, the goat’s lactation period begins. Its duration is on average about 6-7 months. If the goat has lambed in winter or spring, then you can milk it until autumn inclusive. Then you need to pause at least one month in order to give the animal a rest and prepare for a new pregnancy. There are many reviews that dairy goats give milk even for 9 months. However, in recent months, quality and quantity have suffered significantly in all respects.

It is worth saying that milk in goats is produced according to the same principle as in cows, that is, under the influence of a certain hormonal background. Milk is inside the udder until there is a mechanical effect on the teats, that is, milking.

What factors affect the amount of milk

How much milk do goats give? It depends on many factors, including the following:

  • Animal age
  • Breed
  • Stage of lactation
  • whether one is kept alone or in a flock

Speaking about the breed, it is worth noting those whose milk yield sometimes reaches record levels, these are: Saanen, Russian goat, Toggenbur and Megrelian breeds. If you are lucky enough to become the owner of a breeding goat of the above breeds, goats give up to 6 liters per day, which is twice the average milk yield of an ordinary goat.

The most productive time for milk harvesting is considered after the third or fourth lambing, especially the second half of lactation. During this period, goats, even first-timers, give record milk yields per day. But the quality of milk is affected by a number of other reasons, including the following:

  • Animal nutrition. Due to the fact that in summer there is more food and it is more nutritious, goats give more milk.
  • Content. If the goat is kept in comfortable conditions, has enough time to rest and does not get sick often, the milk will taste great.
  • Care. Goats very well feel the attitude towards themselves, recognize the owner and become attached to him. If you provide care and surround the animal with love, then it will answer you in the same way and give you liters of fresh fresh milk.

In the practice of goat breeding, numerous cases are known when a goat flatly refused to be given to an outsider for milking.

How much milk does a goat give

Let’s figure out how much milk can be obtained from a dairy goat for different periods of time.

How much milk do dairy animals give per day? In one day, the average goat can produce up to three liters of homemade milk. Depending on the above factors, this amount can increase up to 6 liters. Such pods are found in breeding animals or goats that received special feeds that stimulate lactation. According to statistics, dairy goats give from 15 to 22 liters per week.

For a period of 30 days, it is possible to milk up to 55 liters if we are talking about the spring period, and up to 80 liters if the goat was milked in the summer. By the way, in the hot months, the composition of milk changes, as the animal drinks more liquid, it is given mainly juicy herbs. For a year, the figure increases to 400 liters. Such results are achieved by almost any goat breeder, regardless of what breed of goat he has.

This amount needs to be stored somehow. This issue can be solved if the product is boiled before long-term storage, then the boiled milk is stored in the refrigerator. It is worth saying that with this method, the fat content of the product is preserved (no more than 5 percent), such milk can be drunk, and of course, you can give it to a child.

How to identify a goat for good milk yields

In order to choose a good thrush, you do not need special knowledge. First of all, you need to assess the general health of the animal. He should have open clear eyes, hair without baldness, a straight spine, straight limbs and a developed chest. Next, it is worth examining the organ that will interest you the most – the udder. It should be symmetrical, rounded, and have impressive dimensions. Be sure to palpate the organ, there should be no obvious separation of the lobes, sagging and the presence of neoplasms. Inspect the nipples, they should be directed down and to the side.

Try to opt for a polled animal. There is an opinion that a hornless goat is more obedient, and even a beginner in this business can milk it.

How to get big milk

How to milk a goat in such a way as to extract the maximum milk? This question torments any beginner. But the process of milking a goat is simple and accessible to everyone. First of all, you need to wash the goat’s udder, and this must be done carefully, as poorly cleaned dirt will get into the product and can cause bacteria to grow in the home product.

Many goat breeders are not limited to ordinary washing with water. They recommend wiping the teats just before milking with a mild iodine solution.

You will have to monitor not only the cleanliness of the animal, but also its own sterility. Each milking must be carried out in clean clothes, an apron and gloves will not be superfluous. Start milking with a light massage, paying attention to each part of the udder. Massage movements are simple, you need to take one share of the milk organ with both hands, lift and squeeze slightly, then do the same manipulations with the remaining parts.

For your convenience, it is best to milk a goat while sitting on a low chair. An animal, especially if it is new and has not yet recognized you as an owner, can be tied. If we are talking about a large farm, then special clamps are built – devices that are equipped with a feeder. During milking, the goat eats calmly, and you try not to peck it off,

It is worth saying that milk can be obtained in two ways – using a manual or hardware breast pump. The latter is in demand on farms where the number of goats is considered to be dozens. Let’s take a closer look at the manual method. You need to try not to cause pain and discomfort to the goat. To do this, remember the rule – do not pull the goat’s nipples, but only moderately squeeze them, slightly lowering them towards the bottom. If you hurt a goat, he may hit you with a hoof or not be milked at all.

Squeeze the resulting milk into a deep container. It is better if it is the same vessel, preferably iron. Try to follow the schedule so that the animal can get used to it and adapt. It is not customary to pour the first drops into the bulk, let them fall to the ground.

Now you know that in order to get high-quality healthy milk, you need to master the basics of goat breeding and give your pets enough time and care.

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Anna Evans

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