The problem of weaning kids from the mother's udder is relevant at all times. From year to year, farmers come up with different patterns for sewing goat bras, constantly modernizing them. The accessory is easy to make from scrap materials at home. Children's tights and a cotton bag will do. In addition to its main function, the bra protects the animal from freezing, insect bites, and injuries.
What is a goat bra for?
The goat bra has several functions:
- wean the kid from the mother's udder;
- protect nipples from freezing in severe frosts.
More than one generation of experienced cattle breeders struggled to solve the problem. It turned out to be not difficult to make underwear for the horned nurse, you just have to be smart. Suitable materials are available in every farmstead.
Varieties
On farming forums you can find several different variations of goat udder protection. The bra is made from children's tights, a bag, or a thick rag.
Some craftsmen adapt children's hats for this, sewing wide wicker belts onto them, or, without thinking for a long time, simply wrap a woolen scarf around the udder.
How to sew a bra for a goat with your own hands?
Sewing a bra will take no more than 10 minutes. No additional material costs will be required.
From children's tights. Option #1
To make a bra, it is better to take tights made of dense, “breathable” material. First of all, it is necessary to inspect them so that there are no snags or holes. The upper part of the tights is carefully sewn up; it is important not to catch a large amount of fabric. An oval cutout is made at the crotch site; its edges need to be overlocked (overlocked) in order to insert an elastic band there. Buttons (Velcro, snaps) are sewn onto the feet.
From children's tights. Option No. 2
From children's tights you can make a bra with separate compartments for each nipple. To do this, cut off the stocking part a little above the knees. The resulting short “pipes” are sutured at the ends. If the elastic band is weak, it is either tightened or replaced with a new one. The belt is slightly sutured so that the udder does not jump out of the bra. The bra is attached to the goat using wide ribbons (straps) sewn to an elastic band.
Out of the bag
To hide the udder, a bag made of cotton fabric is suitable. When making such a bra, the main thing is not to make a mistake with the size. The bra should not hang too low, otherwise it will interfere with the animal's movement. A strong rope is sewn around the circumference of the bag. It is better to let it go along the inner edge so that neither the goat nor the kid can untie the knot with their teeth.
From the cut
To make a bra from a piece of breathable, clean fabric, you don’t have to be an experienced seamstress. The pattern for making a bra is simple. A square piece is cut out of the fabric. The size of the sides is determined based on the animal’s udder. If on average a goat gives 1 liter of milk, a 30x30 cm piece will be enough. In the middle of the square, draw a circle along which the folds are marked. An elastic band is inserted into them.
To determine the length of the strings, measure the girth of the goat. Having decided on the length, strings are sewn to the outer corners of the square. They can be made from narrow pieces of dense fabric, satin ribbons, or thin leatherette. Another tie is sewn to the middle of the side of the bra that will face the animal’s head. This tape will be tied to the collar for added security.
Instructions for use
The udder bra can be used as a bandage after lambing. The bag will support and protect the animal's large udder from mechanical damage and sagging. Guidelines for using the protective device:
- Having bought or sewn a bra, put it on the animal’s udder.
- Using a pair of straps, the bra is securely secured to the goat's back.
- The second pair of ribbons, passing them through the lower abdomen, is tied on the spine.
- These pairs of ropes are connected to each other by a tie that runs along the spine and is attached to the collar.
It is recommended to have several sets of protective covers for the udder so that you can wash them in a timely manner.
Where can I buy
Online pet supply stores sell bras for animals. An udder bra is a multifunctional purchase. You can wear it at any time. In winter it will protect from frost, in summer - from bruises, microcracks, cuts. Today, goat bras are made from wear-resistant materials, with inner liners made of soft cotton fabric that does not irritate the skin.
