The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: angie on October 24, 2016, 01:10:46 pm

Title: Using goats milk
Post by: angie on October 24, 2016, 01:10:46 pm
Hi the kids are more or less weened now and I now have two litres a day excess. Up to now been giving the surplus to the dogs but now intend to use it for us.
I have been told to dip the treats with iodine before milking if I want to use the milk unpasteurized.
I have 10% iodine, does anyone know how much I should dilute it before using it?
Also any advice as to what other measures I should take to ensure that it is safe?
Many thanks
Angie
Title: Re: Using goats milk
Post by: Anke on October 24, 2016, 01:45:03 pm
Cleaning the teats/udder pre-milking with either teat wipes (quite expensive if you only have one or two) or using unscented baby wipes (cheaper, but still not that environmentally friendly) or using warm water and cloth to wipe, then dry with dry cloth (cheap, probably more environmentally friendly, but not hygienic if milking more than a couple of goats)... is all that is needed. I teat-dip with a weak iodine solution after milking, as I had some mastitis issues a couple of years back and have since done it after every milking - a lot less mastitis, but still occasional problems. I just put some Capriclense and add a lot of water to the teat-dip cup, you want it quite weak for teat dipping.

You filter the milk through either proprietary milk filters (easy and quick) or some people use muslin. If the milk doesn't go through the filter easily - you may have a problem with mastitis (often sub-clinical, but it is a quick indicator that something is amiss).

I do not pasteurise the milk we drink fresh, although have had to pasteurise the milk I used for cheese over summer, due to (most likely) yeast and/or bacterial problems in the warm and humid weather.
Title: Re: Using goats milk
Post by: angie on October 24, 2016, 02:00:02 pm
Thank you Anke for your helpful advice.

Going to hopefully make cheese and yought also.

Angie
Title: Re: Using goats milk
Post by: Backinwellies on October 25, 2016, 07:21:13 am
From my cow milking days ... a dry wipe was best if teats look clean (anything else can increase bacteria) then iodine dip afterwards to prevent infection entering still open teat ducts. .... don't expect goats would be much different
Title: Re: Using goats milk
Post by: DavidandCollette on October 25, 2016, 09:31:59 am
I use teat wipes flowed by Capriclense to close the teats plus a cream to help keep the girls teats supple. Just had home grown melon with meusli goats yoghurt and honey for breakfast. Sheer luxury  :thumbsup: