Frequently Asked Questions...

How much milk does a goat give? Each goat should produce

1-1.5 gallons per day during peak production. But this varies depending on each goat, the age & breed of goat, health & care, the season of the year, and when the goat last freshened (had kids). Milk in the spring time is usually more plentiful as this is when most kids are born. As the year progresses and after the doe is bred the milk supply starts to decrease.

Can everyone drink raw goat’s milk? Some people who are allergic to cow milk are also allergic to goat milk, but those who are lactose intolerant tend to digest goat milk better than cow milk because of the lower lactose content. Goat milk is naturally homogenized (the cream doesn't separate as easily) and the overall molecular structure is smaller making it easier to digest than cow’s milk.

How long will raw milk keep? Milk should stay fresh for at least one week in the refrigerator.

How should I handle my milk after I pick it up?

Always bring a cooler with ice to pick up your milk. Store milk in a covered glass (not plastic) container in the refrigerator set between 33 and 40 degrees. Raw milk should not be left out for longer than necessary.

Can the milk be frozen? Milk may be frozen in Ziploc bags or in freezer safe containers, not in the glass jars. Make sure to leave extra room for expansion.

Can the milk be pasteurized? Yes, heat the milk on the stove, stirring constantly, and hold at 145 degrees for 30 minutes. Cover & cool the milk quickly in a sink of ice water. When the milk reaches 40 degrees, pour into container and store in refrigerator or freezer.

Will the milk supply be consistent through the whole year? Because dairy goats were created to be seasonal breeders, in the fall after being bred their milk supply will begin to decrease as they use their energy to feed the growing kids. Two months before the kids are born, the doe will dry off naturally to allow their body to prepare for kidding and the demands of milk production. Once the kids are born, the doe will begin to produce milk and the milk production will steadily increase over the next few months. The production then levels off until they are bred again.

As a goat share owner, will I have a share in the kids? Kids born to the herd remain the property of Blue Barn Products.

What will happen to the kids? They are either added to the herd or sold. Please visit the Goats For Sale page if you are interested in buying a kid.

Are the goats treated for worms? Worming is important to keep the goats healthy. The goats are wormed on a weekly basis using an herbal worming mixture. During the dry season when the goats are not lactating, a conventional wormer is used to cover the full spectrum of worm types.

Are the goats tested for disease? We test for Caprine Encephalitis Arthritis (CAE), TB, Brucellosis, and Mastitis.

Is the milk tested? Periodically we test the milk for Coliforms, Standard Plate Count, and the bacteria E. coli and Salmonella.

Are there other ways to use raw milk? There are many ways to use your milk, including making goat cheese (Chevre, Feta, Cottage Cheese, Ricotta, Mozzarella and hard cheeses), yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, baby formula, ice cream, fudge, homemade soap, or hand scrubs. It can be used in cooking & baking recipes just like cow milk.

Raw milk can be given to an orphaned or bottle fed animal to supplement their diet.

What are good sources for more information about raw milk and its uses? Please visit the Article Links page for more resources.