MILK GOATS. 25 



LACTATION PERIOD. 



The lactation period, which is the time that a doe produces milk, 

 varies considerably in the different breeds and types of goats. It 

 ranges all the way from 3 to 10 months, or even longer. A lactation 

 period ranging from 7 to 10 months is considered very satisfactory. 

 There are certain conditions which may have an influence upon it, 

 such as the breed, individuality, health, feed, and regularity and 

 thoroughness of milking. Pure-bred does of any of the leading breeds 

 will, as a general rule, milk longer than any of the so-called common, 

 or American, type. The breed that has been developed the longest 

 should, of course, excel in this respect if the animals have been prop- 

 erly selected. There are always individuals in a breed that excel 

 along certain lines, and this is especially true as regards the lactation 

 period. 



The health of the does while giving milk is of especial importance. 

 Does when out of condition will frequently shrink in their milk 

 yield and in many cases have to be dried up. Proper food and regular 

 feeding have a tendency to extend the lactation period by not only 

 stimulating the production but causing a more uniform flow during 

 this time. The milking must be done regularly and thoroughly if 

 good results are desired. Irregularity and neglecting to draw all 

 the milk from the udder has a tendency to shorten the period. 



MILKING. 



As goats are small animals, they can be milked to much better 

 advantage when upon a stand such as shown in figure 12. As young 

 does usually object to being milked at first, the stanchion arrange- 

 ment shown in the illustration is an excellent method of handling 

 them. For the first few times at least it is best to give the does a 

 little grain feed in the box attached to the stanchion. Does soon 

 become accustomed to being milked and after a few times will 

 jump upon the stand and put their heads through the stanchion 

 without being assisted. 



The doe's udder should always be either washed or wiped thoroughly 

 before being milked. Ordinarily a damp cloth will be sufficient to 

 remove all foreign material. The first milk drawn should not be 

 saved, as the openings in the teats may be partially filled with foreign 

 matter and this will be removed after a little milk has been drawn. 

 It is best to have a room for milking separate from the main goat 

 barn. This prevents the milk from absorbing any goat odors that 

 might be present. 



There are two systems of milking goats, one when the milking is 

 performed from the side, as is practiced in milking cows, and the 

 other from the rear of the goat. It is claimed that the second system 

 is used because the goat can not be trained to set her right hind foot 



