If you’re raising a few goats for the purpose of getting fresh milk, the most crucial aspect is in the milking. And in this post, we’ll share with you how to milk goat by hand. It is called manual milking because it’s more affordable.
The advantages of goat rearing are numerous, you can check some of them at: https://infomediang.com/goat-farming
You can easily milk your goat by hand even without prior experience, the procedures are discussed here.
In a previous post, we talked about how to start a goat farming business on a large scale, but here we will be talking specifically on how to milk by hand or manually.
Most people think that milking a goat is quite difficult than milking a cow, but from experience, it is easier.
You only need to be patient and be hopeful the goat is willing to be lactated, then you would realize that milking the goat by hands is easy.
Follow the process step by step and with continuous practice, you will be perfect at it.
Materials for Milking Goat by Hand
- Metal Bucket
- Collar
- Milking Stand
- Feeder
- Grain
- Post milking balm, dip or spray to prevent infection.
- Washing water and boiled washing cloth.
10 Easy Steps for Milking Goat by Hand
- Step1: Prepare the Milk Bucket & Grain
- Step 2: Catch the Goat for Milking
- Step 3: Separate the Milking Does from Other Goats
- Step 4: Set the Doe on the Milking Stand
- Step 5: Wash the Udder & Teats of Your Doe
- Step 6: Place Bucket
- Step 7: Begin Milking
- Step 8: Take the Bucket Away
- Step 9: Use Teat Dip
- Step 10: Release the Goat
Follow the guide below to easily milk your goat by hand
Prepare the Milk Bucket & Grain
The feeder should be placed on the milking stand. Then put a few grains in it (approximately half kg). Avoid putting too much grain inside the feeder because it may result in bloat in goats.
Catch the Goat for Milking
This is the next step. If there is a collar on your doe, hold on to it and lead her to the milking spot.
Separate the Milking Does from Other Goats
This process should be done in a separate place away from other goats. This is because the presence of other goats when milking may distract the process.
Set the Doe on the Milking Stand
Lure the doe to the milking stand using grains. When she is eating, she will be able to stand on her feet and put her head through the stanchion.
Once that happens, clip the stanchion.
This will allow the goat stay on that spot while the milking takes place. Ensure the stanchion isn’t too tight.
Wash the Udder & Teats of Your Doe
Before the milking starts, wash the udder and teats with warm water and sterilized cloth. This is to get rid of loose hair, dirt, or bits of manure hanging around.
Also the warmth keeps the goat relaxed and the massaging causes a release of oxytocin which triggers the release of milk.
Place Bucket
The bucket should be placed somewhat in front of the udder of the doe.
Milking:
Your forefinger and thumb should be wrapped tightly around the base of the teat to trap the milk in the teat.
Then squeeze with your middle finger, followed by the ring finger, and then your little finger, in a smooth, continuous motion.
Remember to tightly grip on the base of the teat if not so, the milk will move back up into the udder and you will have to start all over again. Usually, the first squeeze may contain dirt and bacteria.
Hence, the first squeeze should be directed outside the bucket. As you continue, lessen your hold on the base of the teat to enable the milk to refill. When you squeeze one teat, you allow the other refill.
Then repeat the process. When you see that the milk flow has reduced, you can stop the process or massage the udder all over again to discharge the residual milk. Quantity of milk usually varies depending on the breed.
Take the Bucket Away
When you are done milking, keep the bucket away from the animals to avoid being knocked down by curious animals.
Use Teat Dip:
Don’t just release the goat after milking. Use a teat dip to prevent bacteria from getting there and also help the goat stay healthy.
Release the Goat:
After following all protocols for milking the goat, grab the goat by the collar and unclip the stanchion then let it go.
Tips for Milking Goats
Continue milking your goats on a regular basis in other to gain more experience and become perfect. Wash the udder and teats before milking to help keep the goat relaxed.
While the milking process is going on, ensure there is enough grain for the goat to feed on to keep her distracted.
Giving the teat a half twist will help milk properly.
Do not twist or pull the teat because it inflicts pain on the goat and will only make the process difficult for you.
Where the milk isn’t coming out as much as before, massage the udder for a few seconds to stimulate more milk production.
Use teat dips to prevent diseases. Have a separate space for milking in other to prevent distractions from other goats or animals.
Final thought:
You could make millions from goat milk, but it seems Nigeria has not fully tapped into the economical potentials of animal husbandry, though some states in Nigeria are rearing goats on large scale.
In our next post, we’ll share with you how to milk your goat with a machine, the cost of the milking machine and other tips to help.
Meanwhile, a full package of goat rearing e-book (the cost of starting goat rearing business) and other kinds of stuff to set you on the right footing have been put in place. Kindly, let’s know if you need one.
Photo source:
- weedemandreap.com