foot in milk

CountryHaven · #21 03/10/08, 06:56 PM

While I'm sure some really nasty things go on in commercial dairies, how realistic is it that a cow could/would get her foot into the suction cup? Not. Mostly the floors are cement where it would 'land' if it fell, and yeah, cow plops are nasty, but would be behind the area. The nozzle would have to pretty much fall right into the pile to get suctioned into the milk. Stray hairs might get in , but filters will get that out.

A big, dirty foot--cow or goat--in the milk is a much different story.

tailwagging · #22 03/10/08, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CountryHaven

While I'm sure some really nasty things go on in commercial dairies, how realistic is it that a cow could/would get her foot into the suction cup? Not. Mostly the floors are cement where it would 'land' if it fell, and yeah, cow plops are nasty, but would be behind the area. The nozzle would have to pretty much fall right into the pile to get suctioned into the milk. Stray hairs might get in , but filters will get that out.

A big, dirty foot--cow or goat--in the milk is a much different story.

Oh no! the poop gets in there! and poop water that is sprayed to get most of that flop into the drain. Think about a flop on cement? how far can that splatter?
Have you ever seen a dairy's milk filter after a milking? I have.

ozark_jewels · #23 03/10/08, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CountryHaven

Mostly the floors are cement where it would 'land' if it fell, and yeah, cow plops are nasty, but would be behind the area. The nozzle would have to pretty much fall right into the pile to get suctioned into the milk. Stray hairs might get in , but filters will get that out.

In a herringbone style barn(my favorite style by far to milk in and the most common around here), the rear-end of the first cow is right alongside the flank and udder of the cow behind her and so on down the side of cows. So actually the milker falling in a manure pile is quite realistic scenario unless the (human) milker is quick enough to wash the pile down the drain as soon as its pooped. Which they try to do of course, but accidents do happen.

tailwagging · #24 03/10/08, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozark_jewels

In a herringbone style barn(my favorite style by far to milk in and the most common around here), the rear-end of the first cow is right alongside the flank and udder of the cow behind her and so on down the side of cows. So actually the milker falling in a manure pile is quite realistic scenario unless the (human) milker is quick enough to wash the pile down the drain as soon as its pooped. Which they try to do of course, but accidents do happen.

Yup
And don't you just love a cow's tail in your face?

ozark_jewels · #25 03/10/08, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tailwagging

Yup
And don't you just love a cow's tail in your face?

What, was I on Candid Camera last night when I got the tail full of warm, wet, sloppy cow manure right in my ear??

tailwagging · #26 03/10/08, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozark_jewels

What, was I on Candid Camera last night when I got the tail full of warm, wet, sloppy cow manure right in my ear??

LOL no
I've been there and done that! many times! LOL

NYSaanen · #27 03/10/08, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naturewoman

Why are you milking a whole half gallon at a time? Why not pour your milk (a half pint or so at a time) into a larger container? That way, if the milk is fouled, you don't lose as much? The bigger container under the goat, the better chance of it being fouled anyway.

I would think that it depends on the situation. I can't even imagine transferring the milk after each cup! That could be as many as 20 -24 transfers per goat. Waaaay too time consuming. While I do empty into a larger container after each goat, the frequency you describe just isn't realistic for me. I think it depends on the doe, temperment (often or rare occasion) milker (quick reflexes or not), etc.

shelleydar · #28 03/10/08, 08:19 PM

In my humble opinion how we treat the milk has a significant impact on the taste. Besides the hygenic issues I think the flavor would be negatively impacted.

steff bugielski · #29 03/11/08, 05:29 AM

Poop is poop. Cooked , stained, filtered it is still poop.

CountryHaven · #30 03/11/08, 07:39 AM

After reading the last few comments on dairy contaminiation possibilities I am SO glad I don't have to resort to store bought milk when we need it. I can't milk out does anymore, but I can go 'steal' the little bit me and hubby need for little things like coffee, and cooking. We don't use that much. Now... if I COULD milk out, we'd be drinking it like fish, we love their milk, but I sure won't ever again even consider buying milk from the store again when things are 'dry' here.

myheaven · #31 03/11/08, 10:40 AM

This was the first time she kicked. I was letting my 7 yo daughter help milk and she was a little agressive on her teat. Till I asked her is she wanted someone to squeese her teat like that and she backed down. Violet showed she did not like the milking. I always do a full milking into the bucket. She just stands there. Before I got my milk stand i milked her on a bale of hay. She is very calm.

ozark_jewels · #32 03/11/08, 10:54 AM

Don't you love it when one of the old pro perfect milkers up and surprises you with a foot in the milk or a kicked bucket? I always feel a little bit like I'd imagine the close friends of Benedict Arnold must have felt after the fact.....LOL!!

Hip_Shot_Hanna · #33 03/11/08, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozark_jewels

Its just that when I think of the "toe jam" that I can see and smell when I trim hooves this time of year.....the thought of *that* in my milk is just a bit......blech!
I realize from milking at many commercial cow dairies that that and worse is in the milk that the public drinks(sterilized, but still there), but that is just one of the reasons we milk our own goats and cows.

Exactly... that and the growth hormone, the "acceptable" levels of antibiotics, the GM modified feeds, and so on.

I like knowing what went into my milk... LOL! And I like knowing if a hoof was in it, it's not in my glass. It's not "only" a matter of safety, but aesthetics.....