How To Milk A Goat

Goat milk is the perfect substitute for people who are allergic to cow's milk. However, those who suffer from lactose intolerance should avoid goat milk as well. It has a salty undertone, but unlike cow's milk, its globules are much smaller and remain suspended in solution, rather than separating to the surface. Have you ever wanted to milk a goat, but were dissuaded by the lack of know-how? Though it is quite different from milking a cow, the technique is not too tricky. In the following lines, we have provided tips to help you know how to milk a goat.

Hand Milking A Goat

First of all, you need to prepare the grain as well as the milk bucket. Now, place the feeder on the milking stand and fill it with grain.
Separate the milking goat from the other goats and lead her to the milking stand. As she puts her head through the stanchion, clip it closed.
Now is the time to wash her udder and teats. Use a sterilized cloth and warm water for the purpose.
Take the milk bucket and place it on the milking stand, slightly in front of the goat's udder.
Wrap your thumb and forefinger around the base of the teat. This will help trap the milk inside the teat.
In a smooth, successive motion, squeeze, but not pull, the teat with your middle finger, then ring finger and then pinky finger. Throughout the process, keep your grip tight on the base of the teat.
The first squeeze of milk, from each teat, should be directed outside the bucket, as it may contain dirt and bacteria.
Now, relax your grip on the base of the teat. This will allow milk to refill it.
Repeat the above three steps, with one hand, on each teat. Keep on alternating between the teats, so that one refills while the other is being milked.
After sometime, the teats will become loose and have almost a "deflated" appearance. At this point of time, massage the udder to release the remaining milk.
Now, you have milked the goat completely. Take the bucket away and keep it at undisturbed place.
After the milking process is complete, clean the teats with an iodine solution. This will help keep the bacteria away from them.
Unclip the stanchion and lead the goat back to her pen. Don't forget to give her a nice scratch under the chin.

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