Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 17.5 Low-cost hoop buildings with feeding alley adjacent to fabric wall (Ray Rodriguez,
Rindge, NH). Courtesy: John C. Porter, Professor and Dairy Specialist, University of New Hampshire
Cooperative Extension, www.umaine.edu/animalsci/Sheepgoats/Dairy%20Goat%20Housing.ppt. For
color detail, see Appendix A.
milking parlor is recommended. Milking parlor design will
depend on the construction area available, number of
animals milked at a time, and number of milking staff. The
most popular parlor designs for dairy goats are parallel,
side opening, straight through, and herringbone. Each
design has its own advantages and disadvantages. The
straight - through and herringbone - style parlors handle
animals in groups. The parallel and side-opening parlors
will handle animals individually. When animals are
handled in groups, slow milking goats can hold the rest.
In the parallel and herringbone-style parlors, full view of
the animal is hindered for problem diagnosis when com-
pared with straight- through
small herd, but plenty of natural light or electric lighting
is needed.
Milk House or Room
The milk house should be equipped with a double sink, hot
water heater, refrigerator, a table for a work place, and a
rack for drying and storing utensils (Figure 17.6). At least
50% of the milk house is open space for equipment require-
ments. Refrigeration is needed to cool the milk. If milk
produced per day exceeds 20-40 liters (5-10 gallons), it is
necessary to use a water immersion cooler or a small bulk
tank for cooling milk. Milk should be cooled to 4°C (40°F)
and maintained at that temperature for high quality (Stevens
and Ricketts, 1993). If milk is sold to the public or a pro-
cessor, proper permitting is required from health authori-
ties in the U.S. and foreign country authorities for
certifi cation. In the U.S., every state has different dairy
housing and health regulations and requirements before
certifi cation.
and
side - opening
parlors
(Figure 17.6 ).
Milking parlors should have concrete fl oors for easy
cleaning, and the platform must be constructed about 40-
45 cm (15-18 inches) higher than the fl oor for easy milking.
Depending on the design, the platform should provide
45 cm (18 inches) in width and 1 meter (3.5 feet) in length
allowance for each animal. Extension offi ces in the U.S.
provide more information on construction and designs of
milking parlors, as do the various milking machine
companies.
SUMMARY
Generally meat goats are a low output commodity; there-
fore, elaborate housing is not justifi ed. Goats are versatile
animals that easily adapt to different housing environ-
ments. Fiber goats are provided extensive ranging with
low-cost, minimum housing facilities while meat goats
may require more housing. Dairy goats require more spe-
cialized housing in a more commercial setting. This chapter
describes the factors involved in designing proper housing
for goats. As indicated in each design, housing require-
ments as well as animal requirements are addressed. In
designing any animal housing, animal welfare and eco-
nomics must be evaluated.
Milk Stand
A portable milk stand is very popular among dairy
goat breeders when taking their animals to shows, fairs,
and auction sales. Goats could be milked in the stall barn
on a milking stand where they live. The milk area is located
in the barn, and it may be located in a screened-in facility
to avoid dusty air and fl ies. Room size is dependent upon
herd size; however, a 1.5 × 2.5 m (5 × 8 foot) area with
concrete fl oors and a drain will be adequate for milking a
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