Guide to Machine Milking Goats

Machine milking is an efficient, hands-off method of collecting milk from goats, especially for larger operations or those looking to save time and energy. Below is a comprehensive guide based on the detailed process:

Why Choose Machine Milking?

Pros:

• Speed: Faster than hand milking.
• Ease of Use: Minimal physical strain, no hand strength required.
• Goat Comfort: Some goats prefer the gentle, consistent suction of machines over hand milking.
• Hygiene: Reduced exposure to contaminants compared to hand milking.

Cons:

• Cost: Initial investment ranges from $600 to $900 or more.
• Setup and Maintenance: Requires cleaning and maintenance of multiple components.
• Learning Curve: Takes time to learn optimal use and troubleshooting.

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Machine Components

1. Pulsator:
   • Mimics the natural nursing rhythm with on/off cycles.
   • Adjustable pressure (industry standard: 12, ranging from 10–14).
2. Vacuum Gauge and Regulator:
   • Monitors and adjusts the pressure.
   • Check before and during milking for consistent performance.
3. Collection Containers:
   • Options include 1-gallon glass jars or 2.5-gallon stainless steel buckets.
   • Smaller jars are easier to clean and handle.
4. Inflations and Claws:
   • The inflations attach to the goat’s teats.
   • Claws prevent debris from entering and ensure proper suction.
5. Trimming and Cleaning Supplies:
   • Clippers for trimming hair around the udder.
   • Teat wipes or udder wash to sanitize before attaching the machine.

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Milking Procedure

1. Preparation:
   • Trim excess hair around the udder to minimize contamination.
   • Clean the teats with wipes or udder wash.
2. Attaching the Machine:
   • Turn on the machine and adjust the vacuum pressure.
   • Attach the inflations to each teat. The claws will automatically latch when close to the teats.
3. Milking Process:
   • Observe the milk flow and listen for the auditory cue indicating milk flow has slowed.
   • Massage the udder gently during milking to ensure complete emptying.
4. Detaching the Machine:
   • Turn off the machine or release the vacuum before gently removing the inflations.
   • Clear milk from the inflations into the jar or bucket.
5. Post-Milking Care:
   • Optionally post-strip by hand to extract any remaining milk for optimal production.
   • Disinfect teats with a spray or wipe to protect against bacteria.

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Milk Cooling and Storage

1. Quick Cooling:
   • Federal standards require cooling milk to 45°F within 2 hours; aim for 42°F within 45 minutes.
   • Use ice water baths or specially chilled refrigerators to speed up cooling.
2. Storage:
   • Use smaller containers like half-gallon jars for better airflow and faster cooling.
   • Ensure containers are clean and stored in the coldest part of the fridge.
3. Maintaining the Cold Chain:
   • If sharing or selling milk, educate customers on keeping milk cold during transport.

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Filtering the Milk

1. Gravity Filters:
   • Use stainless steel funnels with disposable dairy-grade filters.
   • Effective but exposes milk to the open environment.
2. Inline Filters:
   • Filters milk directly in the milking line, minimizing exposure.
   • Lighter and more efficient options are preferable for ease of cleaning.
3. Lid Filters:
   • Integrated into the machine, filtering milk directly into jars during milking.
   • Simplifies the process and reduces contamination risks.

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Cleaning and Maintenance

• Clean all parts thoroughly after each milking session.
• Use food-safe sanitizers to disinfect.
• Allow components to air dry completely to prevent bacterial growth.

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Tips for Success

• Routine Maintenance: Check vacuum levels, replace worn parts, and ensure all seals are intact.
• Goat Comfort: Gradually introduce new goats to the machine to reduce stress.
• Efficiency: Practice handling and cleaning to minimize downtime.

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Final Thoughts

Machine milking streamlines the process, making it ideal for larger herds or individuals with physical limitations. While the upfront cost and maintenance can be significant, the time saved and consistency in milking often outweigh the investment. For maximum production and goat health, pair machine milking with attentive care and proper hygiene practices.