What to do if the goat does not give milk completely and methods of solving the problem
Goat milk is a nutritious and healthy product. It is suitable for children and the elderly; adherents of a healthy diet are happy to acquire it. Dairy goats are kept on large farms and private backyards. It happens that a goat does not completely give milk, what to do, how to understand why this is happening, and how to increase milk yield - a question often asked by people who have recently started a subsidiary farm.
Causes of the problem
The amount of milk received from animals can vary. It depends on the breed of the goat, its age, nutrition, individual characteristics. Outbred specimen gives 2-3 liters of milk per day. Pedigree animals - up to 9 liters. If milk yield drops sharply, the cause must be established.
A decrease in the amount of milk can occur under the influence of the following factors:
- violation of drinking and feeding regime;
- problems with the udder (presence of mastitis, mechanical damage);
- incorrect milking;
- poor living conditions (dirt, dampness and cold in the barn);
- lack of walking.
You should not expect good milk yield from the goat if it is poorly looked after.
There are other reasons why the animal does not produce much milk. For example, a first heifer, not used to milking, may well squeeze milk. Therefore, the goat should be taught to milking in advance, the animal should trust the owners and not be afraid of them.
The main symptoms
The main symptom is a small amount of milk, swelling of the udder. It becomes hard and hot and increases in size. Then they are milked in small portions up to 5 times a day to prevent the development of mastitis. A sick animal becomes restless, traces of blood appear in the milk, in severe cases - pus. With these symptoms, urgent veterinary assistance is needed.
With a lack of food, the pet becomes lethargic, apathetic, and loses weight. After lambing, she should receive, in addition to hay, bran, a mash of chopped vegetables (zucchini, carrots, cucumbers), some oats.
What to do if a goat clamps milk
The goat especially holds milk if the kids are nearby and she senses their presence or hears babies. Therefore, the kids are taken from the mother immediately after lambing, it is better if they are kept in another room. Some females milk better to music. You should choose a calm melody to which the goat quickly gets used.
Another reason for low milk yields is a lack of vitamins.The female needs to recover after pregnancy and childbirth, she may not have enough strength for this. You should call the veterinarian, he will recommend the appropriate drug. In case of hormonal imbalance, Oxytocin is prescribed, adding glucose or sugar to the feed helps to increase milk yield. Your veterinarian may recommend glucose injections.
Preventive measures
The first heifer needs to be taught to milking in advance. The udder should be inspected daily. While grazing, the goat can scratch or cut the delicate skin. It is washed with warm water and soap, wiped dry with a hard towel and lightly massaged with warm dry hands. A treat should be saved for the animal, then it will quickly get used to the procedures and stop worrying.
The goat is handed out with a fist. Pulling on the nipples with your fingers can injure the udder. After milking, the udder is easily massaged and the goat is milked dry. After lambing, with a normal udder condition, 3 milkings are required, then they are reduced to 2, in the morning and in the evening. Milking should be done at the same time. Walking is required for the animal, then the amount of milk increases. The first cow is milked every 5-6 hours. The greatest amount of milk is obtained after 3-4 lambing. It is better to milk in the same clothes.
Over time, yields fall, after 8 years the goat is considered old, but experienced farmers claim that with good care they are kept for 10-12 years. When buying, you should choose dairy goats (meat breeds give less milk), carefully examine the animal. The goat should be well-fed, with a clean shiny coat, clear eyes. It is better to choose an individual with a calm disposition, after 1-2 lambing. This animal is gregarious, it is better to purchase 2 individuals, then they will not be bored.
A goat is much easier to keep than a cow. With proper care, the animal is quite capable of providing the family with milk, which prevents the development of osteoporosis, is beneficial for digestion, and strengthens the immune system.
