I personally haven't heard of more than a gallon. I don't need heavy producers so I certainly don't want a goat that produces more than a gallon and I'm fine with less.
What Milk Production Are You Aiming For? More Questions On Milk Production...
What milk production are you guys aiming for? 1, 2, 3 gallons or more? It seems like people are breeding towards the highest production possible and I'm wondering if we (dairy goat breeders) will ever stop breeding for higher milk yields once we get to a certain point, or will we continue to breed for higher and higher milk production?
Will there be a day where does producing 3 gallons a day will be average producers?
My ideal dairy doe (or ewe) would produce a gallon or two of quality milk per day while on pasture nursing her kids, I personally don't want does producing more than 2 gallons of milk a day, I feel I'd start culling if production got that high..
Will there be a day where does producing 3 gallons a day will be average producers?
My ideal dairy doe (or ewe) would produce a gallon or two of quality milk per day while on pasture nursing her kids, I personally don't want does producing more than 2 gallons of milk a day, I feel I'd start culling if production got that high..
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Look up the top ten production does in pounds through - you can get 1.5-2 gallons with a sannen being your heaviest producer with stellar production behind her, but you won't get that just on pasture, and I don't recommend a dairy doe at the peak of production not having at least top grade alfalfa available at all times. Figure 1 pound of alfalfa/grain per pound of milk produced. - which average for a gallon of milk at 6-8 pounds per gallon is 3-4 pounds per day. I want at least a gallon a day for my Nubians. I've had 1 1/2 - 2 gallons depending on the doe. 2 on the very high side - and not for the duration of lactation.
I think a gallon a milking is a fair amount to expect from a Doe. I have seen the enormous udders of high producers that push for more and its unnatural. Grossly huge udders!! These were saanen bred for high production but sadly can see their production life being short. I prefer more moderate production with longer years of service.
But definitely if you want any amount of good production you will beed to feed at least a quality alfalfa. Browse only is fine,, but don't expect a high milk yield with that.
But definitely if you want any amount of good production you will beed to feed at least a quality alfalfa. Browse only is fine,, but don't expect a high milk yield with that.
Thanks y'all!
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