Virgin Doeling, gives milk.. is this normal?

[jodief100]

I have read some recent studies done in humans that show stimulation can produce the hormones to signal the body to start lactating. I suspect something similar is going on here.

 

[Calliopia]

We have a maiden doe that has never been bred and will give a gal+ at milking. I can't say I recommend milking a maiden just due to my experience. You might end up with a never dry off doe like mine.

She was hooked up to a milking machine twice a day for about 3-4 weeks while the previous owner was out of town. The caretaker milked both goats instead of just the one that was actually in milk. That was 2 1/2 years ago.

 

[Rebbetzin]

It can happen with does from very "milky" bloodlines, especially if they are getting stimulated by your handling of their udder. I've even heard of a few bucks from super milking lines that actually started making a little milk after a lot of handling in that area.

Good idea working with her young, I like to do that with my doe

kids too.

She is from a very "productive" line. Her Great Grandmother had 6 kids at once! And was able to nurse them all! Her grandmother is very "milky" gives over a gallon a day. Her mother on the other hand, we may never know how much she give since she will kick you when you try to touch her udder. Though she loves getting on the milkstand to eat grain!!

I am not planning on regular "milking" this doeling. She doesn't belong to me. Her owner mentioned she actually got milk from her last week. I was thinking, a couple of drops... but she really made a bit of milk! I was quite amazed.

Yes, we mammals seem to be able to produce milk at times when it is needed. We are indeed "fearfully and wonderfully made."

 

[Rebbetzin]

We have a maiden doe that has never been bred and will give a gal+ at milking. I can't say I recommend milking a maiden just due to my experience. You might end up with a never dry off doe like mine.

She was hooked up to a milking machine twice a day for about 3-4 weeks while the previous owner was out of town. The caretaker milked both goats instead of just the one that was actually in milk. That was 2 1/2 years ago.

That is interesting. I am finding it is not that easy to "dry off" some of these does. We have one that is due to kid in Jan. and we are trying to dry her off, but at times she is just dripping milk, so we milk her a bit to help her not be uncomfortable. Trying to milk her every other day, and not milk her out each time.

They are great for producing milk!

 

[Ariel301]

It can happen with does from very "milky" bloodlines, especially if they are getting stimulated by your handling of their udder. I've even heard of a few bucks from super milking lines that actually started making a little milk after a lot of handling in that area.

Good idea working with her young, I like to do that with my doe

kids too.

She is from a very "productive" line. Her Great Grandmother had 6 kids at once! And was able to nurse them all! Her grandmother is very "milky" gives over a gallon a day. Her mother on the other hand, we may never know how much she give since she will kick you when you try to touch her udder. Though she loves getting on the milkstand to eat grain!!

I am not planning on regular "milking" this doeling. She doesn't belong to me. Her owner mentioned she actually got milk from her last week. I was thinking, a couple of drops... but she really made a bit of milk! I was quite amazed.

Yes, we mammals seem to be able to produce milk at times when it is needed. We are indeed "fearfully and wonderfully made."

Six kids? Incredible. I've never heard of that many at once! She should be a good milker when she freshens for real.