| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Farm Girl 2 |
Posted - May 09 2008 : 07:55:48 AM
Going real well here now. I still have to tie 3 legs but she doesn't seem to mind at all. Production is up slightly 5 1/2 cups this morning!!
I finally got a cream separator and you can catch that story on my blog. Too funny!!!
DH will fix me a stand to attach it to today when he gets home so we can have it secure to maybe avoid spills.
Have any of you gals ever used a separator for goats milk? I was wondering how long it will take to get enough cream to actually make butter.
Loving Living Simply!
http://sunnymorningfarm.blogspot.com |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| thegoatlady84 |
Posted - Jun 08 2008 : 09:06:21 AM
HI there Linda, I have made feta, cheddar, Monterey jack, and Gouda Chever, Cottage Cheese, Cotswold, Parmesan, Romano, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Muenster, Cup cheese, and Crock cheese. I find that my Nubian's milk makes really creamy Gouda. I do not own a milker(not counting me!) I may have to go have a operation on my knee so my brother that has autism will do the milking for me. I have two orphan foals coming in a few day so I will need all my milk for them. I have a few cheese books that are just awesome!
#1 Home Cheese Making by Ricki Carroll(really good with lots of recipes)
#2 Making Artisan Cheese By Tim Smith(really neat recipes)
Both are just great I have another but I can find it!!
Rock'n M Dairy stock |
| wooliespinner |
Posted - Jun 07 2008 : 3:43:49 PM
Hi Robyn
I just started milking 3 does last night. I sold the kids and they went to their new homes so I am finally getting some milk. I have made the cheese recipes you have posted. I was wondering if you have ever made mild feta cheese?
I have not tempted this one yet. I have a book called goats produce too. It seems to have a good recipe in it and I think I am going to give it a try. I really love feta cheese and hope it will taste as good as the store bought.
I know what you mean about strong hands. I have milk muscles in my hands......they don't look very feminine if you know what I mean......lol. When I have alot of does to milk I sometimes get out the milking machine. But prefer to do it by hand. Its funny I would have never guess that a persons hands could get muscular just from milking but I know that they can. I have been milking goats for 16 years now. I guess I won't be doing any hand commercials in the future unless its for Brawny towels. HEHE.
Linda
Raspberry Run Farm
Nubian Dairy Goats |
| thegoatlady84 |
Posted - Jun 07 2008 : 10:17:59 AM
Here are a few cheeses recipes, that I love!
Colander
Cheesecloth
Goat milk
Fresh lemon juice or vinegar
A large pot
Ladle
Salt and pepper to taste
Buttermilk (optional)
Additional seasonings (optional)
Step1Make a grocery list and obtain the basic materials needed to make the cheese. The list includes goat milk (about 1/2 gallon), lemons, kosher salt and cheese cloth. Also, you may also add buttermilk for an extra creamy flavor, if desired.
Step2Heat the milk in a stainless steel/non-reactive pot to at least 185 degrees (or low heat). Allow to simmer, watching carefully to avoid boiling or burning.
Step3Remove the milk from heat and allow to sit. Add lemon (or vinegar), stirring until the curds separate from the whey. The mixture should look like large clumps of cottage cheese when properly separated.
Step4Line a colander with several layers of the cheesecloth. Ladle curds into a strainer, discarding the whey.
Step5Allow curds to cool, squeezing as much moisture out of them as possible. Put curds in a bowl and season with sea salt. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as Herbs de Provence or whatever else you desire.
Step6Press curds into the bowl to make a block, or wrap in cheesecloth. Place curds in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 days before removing and tasting.
#22 gallons whole cow's milk (or goat's milk)
2 tablespoons white vinegar
pinch of salt
chives, green onions, parsley, toasted sesame seeds, or choice of flavors
Directions:
1. Heat milk in large pot on stove until it almost boils.
2. Turn it off and add vinegar.
3. Stir as the curds separate from the whey. The curds will look like large lumps of cottage cheese, and the whey will be like a yellow tinted water.
4. In your sink, line a colander with a thin towel or cheesecloth and pour the curds and whey into the strainer.
5. Let all the whey drain away (note: if you have pets they might like this as a treat, the whey is very good for them, and high in protein).
6. Let the curds cool, then squeeze as much moisture out as possible.
7. Put in a large bowl and stir in salt and your choice of seasonings to flavor the cheese.
8. Press into a medium sized bowl, or roll into a tube inside of saran wrap.
9. Place in refrigerator and let it sit there for 2 days before tasting.
This makes a soft cheese that can be carefully sliced but is almost spreadable as well. Unlike hard cheese, however, it does not melt. We like it especially well with chives added to it. Also good with pimiento, toasted sesame seeds, garlic, many things.
I will get some more. Theses two are supper easy.
I do have to be careful about hugging my nephews as to not break their ribs!!! I also have to be careful when shaking hands! I don't know how many times I have shaken someones hand and they ask how I get such a firm shake, They alway look at me like I am CRAZY! when I tell them I milk cows and goats! I love going out and milking its so quiet. I grew up on a dairy and would love to work on one again. I really miss all the cows, But I really love my farm now as well.
Robyn
Rock'n M Dairy stock |
| shepherdgirl |
Posted - Jun 03 2008 : 11:54:17 PM
Thanks Robyn! We'll be looking forward to them! Will they be posted HERE, or in the "Kitchen" forum? ~~~Tracy
PS A LUMBER JACK? That's TOO FUNNY!!! I picture a woman with Pop-eye arms. If you are married I hope your significant other doesn't make you mad!!! You could pop their head off with one SQUEEEEZE!!! (HA! HA! HA!)
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
| thegoatlady84 |
Posted - Jun 03 2008 : 1:26:31 PM
Yes I have the hand and arms of a lumber jack!! I milk only by hand, and next year hope to have about 12 does milking. I hope to usae the nigerian on my LaManchas and NUbians to get relly good milking minis. I will look up some of my recipes asap!! I wouldlove to share them with you!
Rock'n M Dairy stock |
| shepherdgirl |
Posted - Jun 03 2008 : 09:45:27 AM
Oh my, you certainly DO have your hands full Robyn! What do you use the Nigerian buck for? Are you "downsizing" some of your other breeds?
Got any good milk recipes? "easy" cheese and such? We'd all love to know your secrets --- if you care to share them. Hugs from a Ca farmgirl ~~~ Tracy
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
| Alee |
Posted - Jun 02 2008 : 6:28:22 PM
Wow Robyn! You must have fingers-o-steel! Do you hand milk all of them or do you have milking machines?
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| Brew Crew |
Posted - Jun 02 2008 : 6:09:31 PM
Wow, Robyn! That's fantastic. Sounds like your days must be VERY busy!
Funny Farm ramblings http://happydalehobby.blogspot.com/ |
| thegoatlady84 |
Posted - Jun 02 2008 : 4:50:18 PM
Hello form Canada! I am milking 6 does right know, 2 LaManchas, 2 Nubian's, 1 Ober, 1 Saan/Alpine. Plus my Jersey cow(two more are due to freshen in a month) we are drowning in milk!! We are hoping to get a few orphan foals to fee some of the milk to. I have made all kinds of cheese, yogurt, butter both goat and cow. We got our separator from a farm auction and it works great for both cow and goat milk. I have 15 Nubian does, 4 LaMancha does, 1 Saanen, 1 ober, 1 Saan/alpine, 1 LaMan/Nubian doe, and 1 Nigerian buck 4 Nubian bucks and a Alpine buck! plus 4 wether that we are training to pack/drive. I just love my goats and jerseys, When I call my goat they all come running! I have two VERY!! wild does that will come in for milking and never cause a problem on the stand but in the pasture they wont come near me! I find that the LaManchas are super sweet but shy of strangers, the Nubians love every one! I hope that every one has good luck at making cheese and butter!
Rock'n M Dairy stock |
| Alee |
Posted - May 28 2008 : 1:49:01 PM
Tracy- The ranch doesn't because they bottle raise each baby (to make them more friendly) but they have sold the bucks for meat before to other families.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| shepherdgirl |
Posted - May 28 2008 : 1:18:21 PM
Do they eat the buck kids? We have lots of Mexican families in our area and they LOVE goat meat!! I've had it, it's pretty tastey the way they make it, but I can't eat animals I've known personally. But with the prices of everything going up so sky high (especaially in Ca. our gas prices are $4+ a gallon and $5+ for diesel!!! It's KILLING our truckers and farmers!!!
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
| Alee |
Posted - May 28 2008 : 12:48:17 PM
Hi Tracey-
The Oberhasli goats are a bit low with about a 4-4.5% milkfat. However, each doe can produce anywhere from 1/2 gallon to 1 1/2 gallons per day!
They are still kind of rare here in the US, but are gaining popularity. The ranch people I know breed them here on the Palouse. In fact they have a bumper crop of little boys this year! LOL
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| shepherdgirl |
Posted - May 28 2008 : 12:41:24 PM
Milking order-- just like Holstiens!! It's funny to see the cows all lined up to milk. It's the same order, without fail. Usually the "Herd Queen" first, then each cow as she ranks in the herd.
The goats are beautiful. I have seen the other swiss breeds, but not these guys. Must not be too popular around here. What is their butter fat content in their milk? That might have something to do with why there are so few (if ANY) around my area. LOVE The pics! I will check out the site I guess for the answers to my questions. Thanks Alee! Hugs ~~~ Tracy
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
| Alee |
Posted - May 28 2008 : 12:34:02 PM
The girls I have milked have all been really great milkers, and while their coloring is all very similar, you get to know each goat. They are not a fiber animal, and that is really nice when it comes to milking! LOL Their coat is more like a Labrador's. And they are GREEDY so you can easily win goat love with grain and they train quickly to the milking stand- especially if you waft some sweet feed under their noses! LOL
The hardest thing is hold back the other 4 does while you try to let one slip out the gate to run to the milking shed! If I milk after dark I hold on to her collar and she knows to go directly back to the pen. The ranch girl that is the normal milker has them trained to milk in a certain order.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| Alee |
Posted - May 28 2008 : 12:29:14 PM
Here are some pictures:
They are a swiss breed. Here is a link to their Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oberhasli_%28goat%29
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| shepherdgirl |
Posted - May 28 2008 : 11:42:34 AM
I SO want to try making all those things!! My does will be kidding soon. The next two weeks I think. One of them is HUGE!!! She looks like a big beach ball with legs. The other girl due about the same time is not so big, and she's got a beautiful udder coming in. I'm SOOO happy about that! Unfortunately, she has horns, so her "show" career will never be (automatic disqualification), but it proves that my buck passes good udders on to his girls (except one. but HER mom has one of those udders that blows in the wind. Mom's going to live with a friend and won't be bred again.) The other 5 girls are staggard a few weeks behind for their kidding. Wish me luck in the milking department!
And Alee-- sorry if you felt ignored! Not my intention, but I already hog a lot of space on these forums. I have never seen the Oberhasli's, nor have I met anyone who has them. What are they like and where's a good place to look up more info about them?
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
| QueenofQuiteAlot |
Posted - May 27 2008 : 8:53:06 PM
I only keep my friendly girls, and if they don't cooperate on the stanchion after training, they go...my back goes out too much to fuss with naughty goats anymore.
I ONLY feed grain on the stanchion, so they know if they want it, they must go there.
Goat milk is wonderful *U* I love kefir, icecream, yogurt, and lots of soft cheeses. I didn't care for the goat cheddar, but the mozzarella was so yummy.
I wake up in the morning and have my coffee with goat milk in it, and all's right in the world. *U*
Dalyn
Muckboots 'N Aprons Chapter
~Hick Chicks Soap Barn ~
www.hickchickssoapbarn.com
Homespun Raw Goat Milk Soaps 'n More
http://muckbootsnaprons.blogspot.com/
http://proverbs31nubians.blogspot.com/ |
| shepherdgirl |
Posted - May 27 2008 : 11:09:13 AM
Funny you should say that about the La Manchas Linda. I posted on the "Toggenburg questions" forum about the breeder I met at the county fair yesterday. She raises 4 breeds (Toggs, La Mancha, Saanan and Nubians) and I REALLY liked her La Manchas! Those "ears" (or "lack" thereof) just CRACK me up!! And the does were just SO SWEET!!! I am SERIOUSLY thinking about that breed.
As for Nigerians, they are GREAT little goats! They CAN be a handful at times, but then, what goat ISN'T? Even my favorite little doe is a real pain in my butt sometimes! And yes, they DO produce quite a bit of milk for their size and the butter fat content of that milk can be as high as 6%! (the highest of ALL the dairy breeds, though the percentage will vary from goat to goat just as it will in the larger dairy breeds.)
Oh, and I'm glad you were successful with the deliveries for your neighbor. What an Angel you are!!! I don't get scared about things like that anymore, I just DO them. The animal is going to die for sure if you don't help them, and you can always call the vet AFTER the delivery is successful if something gets "damaged" in the process. Or else don't even TRY, get the critter to the Vet ASAP!
About breeding a Nigie buck to Nubian doe's--- yes, that IS how you get "Mini" Nubians, but it's not likely to happen with the first generational breeding. I think the breeders who now "specialize" in Mini-Nubians breed 2ND generation (and 3rd, 4th etc..) mini-nubs to another 2nd (or more) generational line. You're more LIKELY to get the fixed traits of the smaller nubians, whereas, in the FIRST generation of "Mini" crosses you still get 50/50 sized kids. Oh, trust me, I've studied my genetics. Funny how I didn't get it AT ALL in High School! Wonder if they'd let me re-take that class now? (LOL!)
I am very familiar with Caprine supply. I get their yearly catalog too. Thanks ladies!!! Hugs to all ~~~ Tracy
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
| Alee |
Posted - May 26 2008 : 06:55:49 AM
I milk Oberhasli goats at the ranch and they are super sweet and _very_ _very_ smart! Oh my gosh!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| wooliespinner |
Posted - May 26 2008 : 04:14:21 AM
Tracy,
the lady up the road from me has Nigerians too. She complains that they keep getting out of her fencing and getting into her fruit trees. I helped one of them when she had trips. She had one turned sideways and she had never gone in before to deliver goats before and was afraid to try. I was afraid too because these goats are so much smaller than Nubians. But I managed to turn it and delivered them all safely. I was a nervious wreck but it worked out fine. They sure are cute little goats. She has bought a few Nubians and is thinking of crossing the Nigerian buck with the Nubian does. She is hoping for a mini Nubian. I don't know if thats how they get them or not.
My goats all have breakaway collars I purchased from Caprine Supply. They are plastic and come in different colors. They break off if they get hung in a tree or something. They goat has to be at least 50 lbs for it to work right.I hope they will train to milk.At least they will come to your....thats half the battle.It sure would be nice to have milk to do something with. My friend says her Nigerians produce about a quart of milk. That seemed pretty good for their size.
Some breeds of goats are more friendly than others. Nubians... at least mine are that way are very friendly. I noticed the Sanans,Alpines, Toggs,and the Lamachas are gentle too. I think the Lamanchas were some of the sweetest goats I have every been around and super gentle. I have often thought of getting a second breed but that means another buck to have to keep. Not ready for that,already have 2.
Linda
Each day is precious...take a few of those minutes for yourself. |
| shepherdgirl |
Posted - May 25 2008 : 11:10:19 PM
Thanks for the great advice ladies. I guess my girls are from the "SNOBBISH" set. Trust me, I've got the food bribe thing down pretty well (it's how I train ALL my animals--- two of my horses even come at a whistle!) I do spend a lot more time with them, just sitting and watching them. They will all come up, gather round, fight for the cookies (they LOVE the carrot/raisin/molasses horse cookies. Even the dog!), STEP on me if need be, but as soon as they have their cookie they take off like a shot!
Only 4 girls (I have 12) will even come near me. One is actually all over me. (not sure if she "took") Her half sister (NOT bred this year) has her moments. The other two girls are retired from breeding, one becuase of age, the other because of chronic kidding problems. The rest will only let me get so close, or I get one good pet in before they take off. Maybe kidding will change their personalities somewhat. If not, I guess I will just have to invest in the horse cookie company and keep trying!
Oh, they are Nigierian Dwarf's and only ONE wears a collar. She's also the one who likes me the LEAST. Cookies won't even work with her. Sad, because she's the one I paid the MOST for!! (sigh)
Becky-- if your goat starts to produce as much milk as Mona, you better call Ripley's Believe it or Not!! (does that still exist?) Hugs to all~~~ Tracy
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
| Farm Girl 2 |
Posted - May 25 2008 : 12:05:03 PM
Tracey, you will never be the same after you start milking 7 does!!!!! Just kidding you will love it. I have no problem catching my goats but I do have a problem keeping them off of me!! They will try to jump a 4 foot wall to get into the milk room if I am in the barn because that is where the milker gets her grain and the dry one knows that she will be getting her grain during the milking (on the other side of the wall though). When I open the gate my milker will run me over to go up in her stanchion and stomp until I get the feed in there for her. Nubians get very impatient!!!
I am going to attempt some cheese making soon! I wish my goat gave as much milk as Mona, Aunt Jenny's Jersey cow!!!!!
Loving Living Simply!
http://sunnymorningfarm.blogspot.com |
| wooliespinner |
Posted - May 25 2008 : 04:56:52 AM
Tracy,
I have made yogurt with goats milk and also chevre, ricotta, and motzerella. It was not hard at all. I ordered my cultures from Caprine supply. The directions were on the cultures. I had trouble with understanding one of them and just called and asked them. They are really helpful. They supply everything to do with goats and they also have goats too. They have a very big selection of cheese making supplies and cultures. They are also online. I love their catalog........lots of good info in it.
As far as the goats go I have Nubians and they are always following me. I have them on a feeding routine twice a day. The mothers get more grain then the dry does. So they go into their area to get grain and the dry does have been trained to go into their area to get fed.The kids eat with the moms and also have a creep feed area only they can get into. It only took a few days to get everyone use to the new routine. Then I let them out and put hay into the feeders. Usually I sit down on a milk crate and spend a few minutes just watching them and making sure I haven't missed any problems like someone not eating which means they are sick. That gives them time to come up to get petted and loved on. If you spend a little time sitting with them everyday and also have a few animal cookies or ginger snaps they will get use to you and the attention. It shouldn't take too long.
I love my goats and they are quite spoiled. Some of my older does still try to get in my lap. But at nearly 200 lbs....which some of my girls weigh thats too much for my legs to take....lol.
When you first start milking your goat alot of them don't like being put into the stand.I make sure they have feed to eat hopefully to distract them. Mine have stomped and tried to lay down and I just keep calmly working with them. Usually I don't get much milk the first few times. It usually gets stepped in and spilled.No matter how bad they act I give them a cookie and tell them they did good and pet them. You want to make the experience as pleasant as possible. That way they will start to associate milking with grain, cookies, and lots of attentions. Most of them will take to it by the end of the week. Some sooner some a little later.
What kind of goats do you have and can you pet them and handle them at this point ? Anyway hope this helps.
Linda
Each day is precious...take a few of those minutes for yourself. |
| Brew Crew |
Posted - May 24 2008 : 9:23:59 PM
Animal crackers are cheap and my does will coming running for them!!!
Funny Farm ramblings http://happydalehobby.blogspot.com/ |
| Alee |
Posted - May 24 2008 : 7:02:25 PM
Tracey- I would seriously suggest getting them used to coming to you for grain and hay. If they associate you with food then they will love you. Goat love is easy to buy! ;D
Do your goats have collars on?
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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