This time next week...

Wonderland · #1 11/03/10, 04:06 PM

I will have fresh goat's milk in my refrigerator! And shortly thereafter, fresh goat's milk CHEESE!

I have a couple of things I'd like to get some input on:

How should I go about cleaning my milking supplies? I intend to use the Maggidan's milker, a glass jar, and a metal strainer. I do want to learn how to hand milk efficiently (from what bit I've done, I'm not very good...), but I won't have time to learn on the days I have morning classes.

Is there anything I should have the milk tested for in regards to human safety? I know a lady that I have bought raw cow's milk from sent milk samples off occasionally, but I can't remember what it was for...

Thanks! I'm excited. :banana02:

**mygoat** · #2 11/03/10, 07:22 PM

In my opinion, goats producing milk should be CL tested/abscess free, as well as tested for Johne's and Brucella. All of those diseases affect humans and can be transmitted to humans from goats. Since you'll also likely have babies to sell since your does will be freshening, it'll also likely be a good step for your herd if you are CAE tested as well.

Sending samples of milk off regularly can be for several reasons. It could be for mastitis testing. Sub-clinical mastitis can occur, where the milk shows no 'normal' symptoms of mastitis. The only way to detect this form before it becomes severe is to send in samples if you suspect mastitis, or regularly to asses herd/individual health.

Another reason she sent samples in may be for DHIR. This is the Dairhy Herd Improvement Registry. Identified samples are sent into a lab that records the lbs of production for the test day (and calculates a projected production for that year in lbs per year), milkfat, protein, and somatic cell count. This is mainly for breeding for improvement and also so purchasers of your stock can see what your does are capable of producing.

Wonderland · #3 11/04/10, 03:18 PM

Thanks.

I knew about CL/CAE, but was unsure of what other things might be needed when drinking the milk. I have heard of Johne's and Brucella, but I didn't know they were transmissible to humans. I have also read they weren't very common among goats unless they were housed with/near cows...is that true or was it misinformation? I could be getting my wires crossed...

**mygoat** · #4 11/04/10, 06:00 PM

There is a LOT of misinformation that I know of about Johne's disease.

Here in michigan, I don't test for Brucella because we're a brucella free state. If your state isn't, I'd test.

Here's a GREAT site on Johne's disease that I JUST found - I'm gonna make this a link on my website! :

http://www.johnes.org/

Goat Servant · #5 11/04/10, 06:15 PM

Wonderland I be green with envy! The Boer babies hog all the milk & the one Nub didnt kid last yr so I didnt get to make any cheese

I eat that stuff by the tablespoons full no sense messing around.

Wonderland · #6 11/05/10, 12:22 AM

Well, I looked it up and TN is a Class Free state for Brucellosis, as well! Woo, one less thing to worry about! Thanks for the link, also, it's very informative.

Ah, bummer! I'm probably looking forward to the cheese and cajeta the most. I do like milk, but cheese and caramel...mmmm! Or perhaps cajeta on top of homemade ice cream...eeek! So many delicious things that I really *shouldn't* be eating. Stupid calories.

motdaugrnds · #7 11/05/10, 07:52 AM

Is there an url you can share where I can find out whether or not Virginia is clear of those diseases?

coso · #8 11/05/10, 09:25 AM

http://cfr.vlex.com/vid/78-43-valida...tates-19609750

Virginia is in there.