one day milk test

[Leo]

Has anyone run their own one day milk test? How was it? I saw the paperwork for the adga on running one, and it doesn't seem to bad. I was thinking about doing one in the spring to open up a test in our area, but wanted to know if anyone had any experience with them.
Thanks,
Megan

[Leo]

bump...
So for those at a one day milking test, what did you like? hate or wich was better?
Megan

[beverrlly]

I'd actually like an answer to this one too...SOO....
bump!

[Feral Nature]

I am thinking about it too, would love to hear explicit details though from those who have actually done it.

[hoofinitnorth]

I know a gal that tests her herd regularly. She sent me that brochure on one-day test too since I'm buying 2 of her goats already on test. I have not yet been to a test but I know the local tester and she says it's no big deal. Maybe I can get her to come and elaborate? Pouncer??

[Pouncer]

Well the first thing to learn is this: You can't test your own, lol! You need to locate a tester to come perform the test for you. A one day test actually means three milkings, equally spaced. The does need to be completely stripped too.

For supplies you will need stainless steel buckets (size depends on your breed of course) a stainless steel dipper, a certified scale, and plenty of hot water and soap, plus paper towels.

When I test, I must verify that the sample came from a specific doe, and weighed a specific amount. All the paperwork must be accurate, down to registration information and height on certain breeds. When testing multiple does this can sometimes get confusing, lol (I mean, from my end, all I see *is* the rear end, not the faces, haha!)

[hoofinitnorth]

Ha! Tell that to certain folks (ask our mutual friends about a well-known goat herdsman that signed his own tests)! LOL You actually can test your own if it's just for reference but it won't count for any competitions or anything since there is no independent tester present.

Pouncer, does it make it easier for testing if you have separate buckets for each doe rather than washing all the buckets out between testing does??? With only 2 does, that's something I could easily do...

[Feral Nature]

So what scale do you use, I have heard that some are cheaply made and don't last. If I am going to buy an official scale, I want one that will hold up but at the same time do not want to pay a fortune. The scale I use daily to weigh my milk is for barn records only.

[Pouncer]

You will need to go by what ADGA requires....the scales MUST be in tenths of a pound. Not ounces, or anything else. Not only that, but state certified scales are not accepted, and you cannot use digital scales either.

Yeah I know, a bit of a pain, but them's the rules!