milk color

[goatkid]

We milk our does into 2 stainless steel buckets. I noticed that the milk in the first bucket has been slightly darker than the milk in the second. The goats come into the garage in 2 groups to be milked. I assumed that the milk in the first bucket was maybe getting dusty since the garage has a dirt floor. This morning, I milked two of the goats into glass jars. Blossom's milk was just a bit darker than Flower's. There was no sign of blood or lumps in either goat's milk, their mastitis tests were clear and both does are healthy. Both does are bred. I am of the opinion that goats can have slightly different shades of milk, just as one goat's milk may taste slightly different than another. My husband suggested I check it out, just to make sure, as he wants to use only the best milk in his cheese.

[mammawof3]

Originally Posted by goatkid

We milk our does into 2 stainless steel buckets. I noticed that the milk in the first bucket has been slightly darker than the milk in the second. The goats come into the garage in 2 groups to be milked. I assumed that the milk in the first bucket was maybe getting dusty since the garage has a dirt floor. This morning, I milked two of the goats into glass jars. Blossom's milk was just a bit darker than Flower's. There was no sign of blood or lumps in either goat's milk, their mastitis tests were clear and both does are healthy. Both does are bred. I am of the opinion that goats can have slightly different shades of milk, just as one goat's milk may taste slightly different than another. My husband suggested I check it out, just to make sure, as he wants to use only the best milk in his cheese.

Wouldn't % of butterfat in the milk, make it darker? Like a jersey cows milk compared too a Holsteins? I think the Nubian milk is darker than the saanen milk..seems thicker also..

[crazygoatgirl]

Yes, it will be different. If the goats are on pasture then you have to consider that they are not all going to eat the same things. BF will vary greatly by breed, age, body condition, and stage of lactation.

[goatkid]

The goats are not on pasture. Its winter where we live and the goats are all fed the same hay and grain. Blossom is a 4 year old La Mancha and is due a month later than Flower, who is a Nubian-Alpine cross. The goats milked into the second bucket are three 1 and 2 year old Nubians. Blossom is a large, sturdy goat and could very well have higher butterfat.