Milk flavor

nana2-7 · #1 03/31/08, 12:56 PM

I've heard not to let the buck run with the does as it will cause their milk to have an off flavor. Right now I do have the buck running with my does and the kids. If I were to move him into his own pen, would the off flavor of the milk go away? And if so, how long will this take? I've left the kids on the does, but am now ready to start milking. Thank you!

Patty0315 · #2 03/31/08, 12:59 PM

The milk can pick up odors from the does hair. So if you milk her and get hair in the milk it can tatste off. Also if you milk into an open bucket the milk can pick up stuff from the outside air ...so if your doe smells your milk might have an off flavor.

Patty

nana2-7 · #3 03/31/08, 01:51 PM

She doesn't smell, and neither does the buck for that matter. I'm puzzeled. Either way tho, he is getting moved into a pen of his very own.

farm mom · #4 03/31/08, 01:58 PM

Make sure you are cleaning your milking supplies properly. Oftentimes regular dish detergent can leave off odors. We use dairy soap daily and a product which keeps milkstone off our buckets once a week. Also if you have any milkstone build up on your pail. Make sure you are using stainless steel buckets and strainers. Putting your milk in glass containers which have been well washed. Let your utensils air dry upside down. We have a scrub brush that we use when cleaning the milking supplies that is only used for that. A rapid cool down is key to success too. After filtering your milk into your glass containers make sure to immerse in ice water. I shake the milk every few minutes to speed up the cool down. Shave does udder, have clean hands, wipe off teats before milking, keep milking area clean, and we sanitize the floor of our milkstand before and after milking. I'm sure you know all of this but just throwing it out there, just in case. Also, watch what they are eating since many different weeds can affect milk flavor. If all else fails it could just be that particular doe.

Patty0315 · #5 03/31/08, 02:03 PM

Then you need to look at her feed and worm status.

Patty

Alice In TX/MO · #6 03/31/08, 04:30 PM

Everything 'farmmom' said is right on. The only thing I can add is that we use two stainless steel buckets. The outside one has ice/water/salt that goes in the deep freeze in between milkings. It is an ice slush bath. We put a clean bucket inside that and milk into the inner bucket. The milk is chilled as we milk.

Makes a difference for us.

farm mom · #7 03/31/08, 04:58 PM

I agree Rose, we use to do that too but found with our particular situation we got the same results from just the rapid cool down in the house. But if I was having problems I would do it your way.

nana2-7 · #8 04/01/08, 11:49 AM

Thank you all so much for your replies. My goats are current on their worming, they get good feed, alfalfa pellets included since I can't get alfalfa hay reasonably. I do clean my milking utensils with hot soap and water. The doe is an older doe who has always given excellent quality milk. I'm just stumped. Her kids don't seem to mind so I'll be leaving the kids on her until they are weaned. We'll see how the next season goes as far as her milk is concerned. Thanks again for all your help.

steff bugielski · #9 04/01/08, 11:53 AM

That hot soapy water might be the problem. You need to be using a dairy detergent made specifically for dairy equipment. It will remove the milkstone,a good place for bacteria to take hold. It is the bacteria that causes the off flavor.

farm mom · #10 04/01/08, 12:00 PM

Steff is right. Dish detergent isn't good for long term use.