Does the heat affect the milk volume?

[Bryannjamie]

This week we have had abnormally high temps in Ohio, and I have noted a big reduction in the volume of milk I receive. There is always water, and I make sure hay in abundant as I heard that increases milk production. I have been told to increase feed as well but the girls don't seem interested in it, versus the bucks who are like pigs. Any thoughts?

 

[sawfish99]

Short answer - yes. At the fair last weekend in CT, a number of us were talking about how poor milk production is right now due to the temps >90. The goats don't want to eat more because the hay and grain cause additional internal heat.

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

Yes, our milk production goes way down when it's hot. Myself and a lot of the breeders out here will offer dilute electrolyte water in hopes of getting them to drink more. It works a bit, my goats love the apple flavored electrolytes.

 

[babsbag]

Milk production goes down, appetite goes down, weight goes down. It is really tough on people that show goats when they are in a hot climate.

I should try the electrolytes; never thought of that. I wonder if I put molasses in their water if they would drink more. HMMM

 

[lovinglife]

I started adding some apple cider vinegar to the water because I know it is good for them and helps to keep the water fresher. MAN I swear the water consumption doubled when I started that. I think they really like it. I don't use much, I wanted to ease them into it so they would not go off water, you know how picky they can be. But so far not an issue!

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

Milk production goes down, appetite goes down, weight goes down. It is really tough on people that show goats when they are in a hot climate.

I should try the electrolytes; never thought of that. I wonder if I put molasses in their water if they would drink more. HMMM

I don't think mine would like molasses, and you would have to stir it a bunch, but they sure love horse electrolytes!