Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
This goat cart race is an example of how castrated males can be used beyond their meat potential. Strong
and agile wethers are also used as pack animals or friendly and hardy pets.
(Photo courtesy of Steve Swayne)
Milking a Goat or Sheep
We started out by purchasing an experienced milking goat already bred and about two months
from kidding. This made it so much easier to get the hang of milking because we weren't training
ourselves and training the doe at the same time. Since then we've learned to train our does when
they are young to stand on the milk stand, and when they kid we're able to begin milking more
ea sily.
Our greedy does don't raise too much of a fuss when we milk them because they have their heads
stuck in a bucket of feed. We use milking time as their morning feed time and they quickly adjust
to the routine. That's really the key—establishing the routine habit that the animal can rely on and
grow confident in. Remember that any increases in grain should take place gradually, so it's wise to
begin that process earlier rather than later to avoid digestive upsets.
If your milk station is not separated from the other goats, you'll need to tie them. We just tie the
others to the fence while we rotate in whomever is milking. You want to have a set milking stand
or station where you can have your equipment, and keep the area clean. Cleanliness applies to the
goat, to you, and to all the equipment.
 
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