When to dry off my goats?

[PattySh]

Sasha is due Feb 23 and S'more Mar 12. Both are still being milked once a day. When should I dry them off. Going to miss the milk for a bit. Have 6 bred due Feb-Apr so will have plenty of milk this year.

 

[Mea]

"Usual" drying off time is two months before freshening. Some does dry up sooner... some insist on milking longer.

If you have extra milk now... you could freeze some for use when they are dry.

Sounds as tho You will be busy !

 

[glenolam]

BABY PICTURES!!

Mea was correct - usualy time is about 2 months before kidding.

Good luck!!!

 

[cdennis]

If you have extra milk now... you could freeze some for use when they are dry.

Does goat milk freeze well? Never thought of that. I know cow milk isn't great after freezing.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

yep freezes just fine.

some folks can tell a difference but i sure cant. most of or milk is frozen initially - just easier to put it in the freezer to chill quickly - we've never had any problems

 

[chandasue]

The only difference I've noticed with frozen milk is that the fat separates and there's tiny bits floating about rather than just smooth and creamy. Still tastes the same though and seems to be the same for making cheese. I read somewhere that it should be used in 3-4 months. It never lasts that long around here so I don't know what happens to it if it is frozen longer than that.

 

[cdennis]

Thanks for the information, sorry to steal the thread

 

[PattySh]

My goats had their own plan and seem like they want to dry up suddenly. They went from 1/2 gal to 2 cups overnight and less now so we are starting to let nature take it's course and dry them off. Have babies due in mid Feb-Apr so pictures will happen as we get babies. Excited to have our 2nd batch of babies. Froze enough milk to make soap.