How to Care for Milking Goats: A Guide for Homesteaders

Love the romantic notion of milking your cow, making cheese and drinking the creamy white stuff they provide us with? 

The only problem is you are on 5 acres, with only an acre or 2 for the cow.

Problem solved, get a goat! Who are we kidding (pun intended) once you get one, you'll end up with 2 or more.

Raising milking goats on your homestead is a rewarding and sustainable way to provide fresh, nutritious milk for your family. Whether you’re looking to make cheese or yogurt or drink the milk raw. 

Raw milk from your milking goats can offer many benefits, including providing lactose-intolerant family members with a digestible alternative to cow’s milk. I have a podcast episode, (E31 - Why Drink Raw Milk) on raw milk that you may find interesting, just click on the link.

In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of caring for your milking goats and how to milk them by hand.

Physical Care and Milking Goats by Hand

Taking care of your goats is crucial to ensure a healthy milk supply. To get started, it’s important to choose the right breed, establish a milking routine, and understand the fundamentals of hand-milking. For more information about breeds click the image below.

Choosing the Best Milking Goat Breeds for Homesteads

The first step in caring for your goats is selecting the right breed. Popular milking goat breeds include Anglo-Nubians, Saanens, British Alpines, LaManchas and Nigerian Dwarf. Each breed offers unique benefits:

- Anglo-Nubians produce rich, creamy milk high in butterfat.

- Saanens are known for their consistent milk production, but less cream.

- British Alpines adapt well to various climates and produce large quantities of milk, not as high in butterfat.

- LaManchas are small, easy to handle, and produce sweet-tasting milk.

- Nigerian Dwarf are small with less space needed to house, they produce small quantities of high butterfat milk.

When choosing a breed, consider how well it will thrive in your region's climate and how much milk your family needs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Milking Goats by Hand

1. Prepare your station: Keep the area clean and comfortable for the goat. Use a milking stand, this can be a homemade version. Ensure all equipment is sanitised, it helps if your milking bucket is a seamless, stainless steel version.
2. Wash the udder: Clean the goat’s udder with warm water and a gentle washcloth to prevent contamination. You can use cleaning agents but it may dry the udder out too much.
3. Begin milking: Use your thumb and forefinger to pinch the top of the teat, then squeeze downward with the rest of your fingers. Continue this rhythm until the udder is empty.
4.  Strain and store: After milking, strain the milk through a fine mesh filter and refrigerate it immediately to preserve its freshness. I have found that the quicker you refrigerate milk the less chance of any goat taste.

Common Health Issues and How to Prevent Them

Healthy goats produce better milk. Watch for common health issues, such as mastitis (an infection in the udder), which can reduce milk quality. Prevent mastitis by maintaining good hygiene during milking and ensuring your goats have a clean living environment. Regularly check your goats for any signs of discomfort or infection, such as swelling or changes in milk appearance.

I strongly encourage you to seek veterinarian advice if you suspect mastitis. It can kill a goat if the infection takes hold and requires antibiotics to treat.

Maximising Goats' Milk Benefits for Your Family

One of the key reasons homesteaders choose to raise goats is the numerous health benefits of goat’s milk. Let’s explore how goat’s milk can boost your family’s well-being and how to ensure you’re getting the most from it.

Goats’ Milk Benefits: Nutrients and Digestive Health

Goat’s milk is packed with essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and D. It’s also easier to digest than cow’s milk due to its smaller fat globules, making it an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive stomachs.

Goats’ Milk for Lactose-Intolerant Family Members

If you or a family member is lactose intolerant, goat’s milk could be a game-changer. While it still contains lactose, the structure of the proteins makes it more digestible, meaning many people who can’t tolerate cow’s milk find goat’s milk easier on their system. Always introduce it gradually and consult with a healthcare provider if necessary.

Safely Storing and Preserving Your Goats’ Milk

To ensure your milk stays fresh and safe for consumption, always filter and refrigerate it promptly after milking. Goat’s milk can be stored for up to a week in the fridge or frozen for longer-term use. If you enjoy making cheese or yogurt, goat’s milk provides a rich and creamy base for these homemade products.

Conclusion

Milking goats can provide your homestead with a steady supply of healthy, delicious milk. With proper care, good hygiene, and attention to your goats' health, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of fresh milk, whether you're drinking it, making cheese, or exploring the many other possibilities goat’s milk offers.