Is it normal for new goats to have a low milk supply?

[freechicken]

We brought home a new doe Friday night, a second freshener less than a week past kidding. She is a French Alpine that milked well last year as a first freshener. Yesterday morning was our first milking with her and she only gave us 2.5 cups. Last night was 2 cups and this morning even less. I'm wondering if it is the stress of being in a new place that has her production so low? And if so, will it increase once she is accustomed to us? The previous owner has suggested that we add in a third milking, which we will do today, but I'm feeling discouraged.

We are feeding alfalfa hay and 16% protein grain, which she just nibbles at.

 

[kstaven]

Stress from a move can easily curb the milk production of any animal.

Are you sure you are getting her fully milked? Is she letting down fully?

What was her volume and lactation curve as a first freshener?

 

[freechicken]

She was only three days post kidding when we brought her home (6 days post now) so it could be she has been holding back for her kids? We were told she averaged 3.5 quarts/day last year but nothing more specific. I know they don't peak for a couple months but I was expecting more than 1 qt right now which is roughly what we're getting. But she is just now taking an interest to her grain so maybe her supply will pick up over the next few days as she starts really eating well.

Yes, I'm sure we're emptying her. Her udder doesn't seem to fill that much and by the time we've milked a couple cups, it's empty and shriveled.

If it is moving related, is there still hope she'll be a good producer?

 

[aggieterpkatie]

It's not uncommon for milk production to be low for the first week or two after freshening, because her milk is still coming in.

 

[kstaven]

She was only three days post kidding when we brought her home (6 days post now) so it could be she has been holding back for her kids? We were told she averaged 3.5 quarts/day last year but nothing more specific. I know they don't peak for a couple months but I was expecting more than 1 qt right now which is roughly what we're getting. But she is just now taking an interest to her grain so maybe her supply will pick up over the next few days as she starts really eating well.

Yes, I'm sure we're emptying her. Her udder doesn't seem to fill that much and by the time we've milked a couple cups, it's empty and shriveled.

If it is moving related, is there still hope she'll be a good producer?

That is why I asked about the lactation curve. It could be a factor of the move or could be her natural lactation curve. I wish people would keep better milk records on their animals so people like yourself have something to refer to rather than fishing in the dark. We have girls here that start very low and others who start at almost 4 quarts. It really is an individual characteristic from animal to animal. As is length of lactation.

Either way she should pick up.

 

[freechicken]

I agree! It's been very frustrating not knowing. I know I'm going to keep much better records for sure! Thanks very much for your advice and words of encouragement. She just milked more than at yesterday's midday milking, so I'm taking that as a good sign!

 

[kstaven]

Running a dairy op we deal with it all the time.