Milk Fat %?

[babsbag]

How does Nigerian Dwarf milk's fat content compare to the larger breeds, anyone know? I must say that the yogurt I have just made is very creamy. And quite yummy too.

Their milk is the highest in fat of any of the goat breeds.

 

[Pearce Pastures]

How does Nigerian Dwarf milk's fat content compare to the larger breeds, anyone know? I must say that the yogurt I have just made is very creamy. And quite yummy too.

Their milk is the highest in fat of any of the goat breeds.

x2 Little goat but LOT of butterfat and protein.

 

[meme]

There are so many bad misconceptions about fat out there. Fat from healthy sources such as fresh milk from well-fed animals, avocados, coconut oil, and fat from grass-fed meat are all very healthy. On the other hand, fat from vegetable oils, meat from grain-fed animals, milk from animals fed waste products, any trans fats, etc. are absolutely terrible. I love organic fruits and veggies, home-grown eggs, and fresh raw goat milk. I try very hard to avoid any processed foods, bad fats, and grains. I don't think good, healthy goat milk is anything to worry about.

 

[kstaven]

We're a licensed dairy and we have to send in monthly milk tests. When the girls are out on pasture, we usually average between 3.5-4.0% milk fat. Come fall when we cut back on milking to once a day before drying off, the milk fat and solids shoot up (into the 6%+ range) and we get the most AMAZING yogurt - it's so thick and creamy. That's our preference though and we look forward to fall yogurts.

The milk testing labs around here do a composition, somatic cell and bacterial test for about 20 dollars - it's required for us to ship, probably not worth it for your purposes.

Who are you using Siliker or exova?

 

[sprocket]

Who are you using Siliker or exova?

Pacific Milk Analysis Lab in Chilliwak.

 

[babsbag]

Where are you located? I am in the very first stages of researching a Grade B dairy and would sure love to pick you brain a bit.

We're on the west coast of British Columbia, just above Washington State. Canadian regulations are likely different than what you'd be subject to, but if you've got any non-regulation related stuff, ask away!

Can I ask how many goats you milk and how much does your average doe give you per day?

I am trying to decide if I should keep my doelings born this year or plan to buy mature does down the road. I won't be ready for milk for probably 2 years. This is a slow, long process.

 

[sprocket]

I am trying to decide if I should keep my doelings born this year or plan to buy mature does down the road. I won't be ready for milk for probably 2 years. This is a slow, long process.

We have about 60 does right now and we're planning to build up to about 75-100 milkers. We aim to have each doe producing on average, at least 3 litres/0.75 gallons per day. Some of our older, best milkers produce much more and some of our first fresheners of course produce less. The poorer milkers that don't make the cut get culled out - we've managed to convince some restaurants in the region to begin featuring goat on their menu, which has worked out well for us.

Personally, I'm inclined to maintain a closed herd at this point - we did have some disease issues (specifically CL) when we first started and I'm not wanting to risk bringing anything else to our farm.

We're working towards building an on farm processing plant this year (we just got our approval today!). Selling milk from a small herd of milkers like we are now doesn't make much money, considering the work involved. I figure we'd probably have to be milking somewhere around 400-500 to be able to derive a full time income from it, and that's about 400 more goats than I want to have around.