when to stop milking.

smilesx4 · #1 07/17/14, 06:09 AM

Hi,
I have been milking 2 boer/dairy crosses since Jan/March and although I have never really gotten much from them I did notice that my March doe's milk has really dropped off in the last few days. At what point do you decide that it is not worth the effort? I was getting a quart a day per goat, but now I am getting 3/4 of a quart a day. I am breeding them again in the fall (and their babies) with a full Alpine buck that I am picking up in August. I want to get more dairy in my little herd.
I really want the milk and up until this point I figured it's better than nothing. What would you do? Keep milking, as long as I get something I'm good? Or call it quits?

thanks for your help!

marusempai · #2 07/17/14, 06:35 AM

It all depends on you. Personally, I would keep milking for three quarters of a quart per day, times two goats, but I have a lot of kids, and they won't drink store milk any more. You'll hit a point where you feel like "WHY AM I GOING TO THE BARN," and that's when you should stop.

nehimama · #3 07/17/14, 09:20 AM

When the amount of milk I'm getting is no longer worth the hike to the barn. That's when I stop.

danil54grl · #4 07/17/14, 08:52 PM

I am currently milking 3 goats for 6 cups at each milking. . . it adds up.

smilesx4 · #5 07/18/14, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danil54grl

I am currently milking 3 goats for 6 cups at each milking. . . it adds up.

Oh that makes me feel so much better! I love the milk and I would hate to be without it, but having to stay close to home for a little over 1 1/2 quarts a day, well I wasn't sure. Thanks for all your advice!