Beginning breeders often ask themselves the question: if for some reason the goat is not mated, will there be milk? Animal lactation is a natural process, which means that in order for milk to appear, the goat must lamb. But when raising livestock and keeping a goat are not part of the plans, farmers are considering alternative ways to artificially stimulate lactation.
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Can a goat produce milk without a goat?
In order for the cattle to produce milk in good quantities, it is recommended to cover the goat every year. Before mating, to compensate for the nutritional deficiency, the goat is started - the frequency of milking is reduced or milking is stopped altogether. After lambing, milking resumes and the amount of milk gradually increases.
If a goat that has lambed and was previously milked is not re-coated on time, lactation may continue for the missed year. Milk yield gradually decreases and may eventually disappear. In rare cases, a goat can produce milk without a goat for several years in a row, but this does not have the best effect on the health of the animal.
Sometimes breeders bring in a young goat and, at the age of 6 to 12 months, are surprised to discover the appearance of “girl” milk. Early lactation is more common in dairy animals, resulting from hormonal imbalance. To prevent the development of mastitis, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the cattle, milk if necessary, but not as often as during normal lactation.
Cases, when does a goat give milk in sufficient quantities without covering and lambing, are considered exceptional. After milking, milk yield may be maintained, but will be inferior in volume to natural lactation.
Basic rules of milking
Milking most often begins after the first lambing, but it is possible to milk an uncovered goat. Actions must be correct and accurate.
Milking rules:
- Provide a nutritious diet. The menu includes fresh juicy vegetables, boiled potatoes, grass or silage, and vitamin supplements.
- Prepare the animal for milking. In order for the goat to produce milk, and the cattle does not resist the process, it is necessary to stroke and lightly massage the udder three times a day with rich cream or Vaseline.
- Stimulate lactation. To produce milk, it is recommended to squeeze the nipples without causing pain to the animal. Gradually they begin to imitate milking.
- Maintain regularity and time frames. The procedures are carried out at the same time every day, increasing the frequency with the appearance of milk up to 5 times a day.
You can milk a barn goat yourself, but the amount of milk will be less than after lambing. A competent approach to keeping goats and the milking process will allow you to receive milk regularly without disturbing the natural cycles of the animal.
