Raising Goats For Milk – Facts To Help You Start Keeping Dairy Goats Successfully
Article by Ted Allen
The demand for goat milk has been increasing especially now that people see its advantages over cow milk. For one, the fat in goat milk is more soluble or easier to digest. This makes it a more preferred drink for people with absorption-weak intestines like babies. Raising goats for milk is an important consideration among breeders to ensure that the animals produce milk as often as possible. Dairy products derived from goat milk, such as cheese have also increased in number.
Like cows, certain factors must be taken into account when one aims to cultivate goats for milk. First, determine which breed of goat to buy. The Saanen is the best when raising goats for milk. This breed produces the highest amounts of milk. Alpine comes in second. But if you cannot afford the expensive breeds, at least do not settle for a low-quality one. Milk quality and quantity are affected by breed, as some goats produce less when in unfavorable climate.
The regular duration of lactation of a doe is pegged at 305 days. However, some fall short due to the onset of estrus or when they are in heat. You may keep a record of the lactation schedule of your goats in order to monitor the days they can be milked to maximize profits.
Be wary as well when to breed your does with the bucks. There are seasons when kidding goats produce more milk, such as during early spring. Fixing your calendar on when to mate your animals is important when raising goats for milk.
Building a safe shelter for your animals is also important as the weather plays a role in milk production. Some breeds produce less when subjected to extreme heat or cold. Make sure that you have control in the temperature because a sudden change in it can make the animals sick. The goats catching illness is the last thing you would want to happen because it can cause complications. Administering drugs for example ruins your plan on raising goats for milk. As much as possible, do not treat a sick lactating doe with drugs because the milk might get contaminated.
Have the goats play as well to ensure their health. This will affect positively the quality of milk they produce. Avoid stressing them or hurting them physically. Clean the teats well to ensure germ-free milk. Always keep the barn clean and tidy to prevent the accumulation of bacteria.
