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Goat milking machines are available in various types to suit diverse milking requirements. The key types are described below:
Vacuum bucket milking machines
A vacuum pump inside the machine creates a pulsating vacuum that extracts milk from each goat teats and deposits it into a bucket through a separate pipeline. Portable vacuum bucket milking machines are easy to move around and are suitable for goats.
Pipe line milking systems
In pipeline milking systems, the goat milking machine is integrated into a pipeline system. Milk is extracted from the goat teats through a pulsating vacuum and flows through the pipeline to a central storage container. This centralized storage container is larger than the bucket used with vacuum bucket machines. As a result, pipeline milking systems are often milking larger herds. Also, the machines need to be mounted on a frame to create a favorable milking position for the goats.
Low-line milking systems
Low-line milking machines have a pipeline that runs along the floor of the goat pen. The goats are positioned inside an enclosed area, and the milking machine is used to milk the goats in that position. Low-line machines are automated systems and are ideal for large dairy operations where frequent and efficient milking is required.
Milking Capacity:
The milking capacity is specified to tell how much milk the machine can process in a specified amount of time. This is often expressed in liters or gallons per hour.
Power Source:
Goat milking machines are often powered by petrol engines or electricity. The machine's specifications may note the type of power it uses and its engine or motor size.
Pulsation System:
The machine may specify its pulsation system and how it imitates the natural milking action of goats. The specification may state how many pulses per minute the machine works. This relates to its efficiency and gentle treatment of goat udders.
Vacuum Pump:
The specification of a milking machine may include information on its vacuum pump. This information may include the type of pump (e.g., rotary, diaphragm, etc.) and its suction power or vacuum level.
Material and Design:
The material and design used in constructing the milking unit will not only affect its lifespan but also determine how hygienic it is. Goats are very sensitive to dirt and unclean things, so the milking machine must have been built using materials that are not harmful to their health. The specifications for a goat machine will include information on the materials used, such as food-grade stainless steel, and the ergonomic design for easy handling and cleaning.
Automatic Milk Metering and Recording:
Advanced goat milking machines may include features for automatic recording and measurement. This helps keep track of each goat's milk yield during milking sessions. The machine specification will include information on the data storage capacity and how it provides precise measurement and record accuracy.
The key to hassle-free goat milking machine maintenance is cleaning. The machine should get cleaned immediately after use, including all its parts. The first step in this should be to stop the machine before detaching the milk bucket or container. Next, soapy water from a milk-sanitizing solution can be sprayed or immersed in the bucket to start cleaning it and other parts of the machine. While doing this, users should refer to the manufacturer's manual to know the specific cleaning processes and solutions required for different machine components.
Furthermore, careful inspection for any sign of damage or wear should be done as each component is cleaned. Users should pay particular attention to rubber and plastic parts, such as the goat milker rubber cups. It's best to replace any worn parts as soon as they are discovered to ensure the machine continues to perform optimally and help milking go smoothly.
Users may lubric the machine's moving parts from time to time, but they should refrain from overdoing it as this can attract dirt and reduce the lubricants' lifespan. It's also very important to store the milking machine in a cool dry place, and it's best to put it in a dust-proof cabinet or container.
Goat milking machines serve various applications across multiple industries. Here are some of the typical scenarios where goat milking machines are used:
Dairy farms
Dairy farms with high goat populations often use milking machines to simplify the process and reduce the time spent on each goat. Automation allows for more efficient milking. Faster processing helps meet the higher volume demand for goat milk on larger commercial farms.
Milking stations
In some areas, independent milking stations may exist away from the dairy farm. These stations provide an efficient way to collect milk from multiple farms at one location. Centralizing the process helps streamline handling and distribution at a cost-effective rate for both farmers and processors.
Export facilities
Facilities that process and package goat milk (especially for infant formula) often prefer using machines instead of manual methods, which may be less sanitary. Using a machine ensures a higher level of cleanliness and consistency in product quality. Milking machines also make it easier to automate further processing steps, such as pasteurization, bottling, and packaging.
Developer
Some businesses focus on developing new technology to improve existing milking machine design or create completely new machines with enhanced features, such as smart sensors that can detect health issues in goats during milking.
Research and testing labs
Laboratories conducting research on goat milk or testing its properties might use milking machines for sample collection. The main goal here is to obtain small quantities of milk without impacting the goat's health or routine. The laboratory could then analyze the milk to provide valuable insights that could possibly contribute to advancing knowledge in this field.
Goat milk soap and cosmetics companies
Some companies produce goat milk-based products like soap, lotions, or other skincare items. These small-scale operations usually herd their own goats and invest in a milking machine to help with the collection process.
For customers with large-scale goat milk production, a suitable goat milking machine ensures efficient milking, improved productivity, and enhanced milk quality. There are several things to consider when choosing a goat milker machine, including the configuration, capacity, adjustability, sanitation, and portability.
The machine's configuration is an important factor to consider. Customers can choose between a portable milker, which is commonly used for small farms, and a central vacuum system, which is ideal for larger farms. Depending on the size of the farm and the number of goats to be milked, customers can also consider the machine's capacity and flow rate. The machine should have the capacity to milk all the goats on the farm within a reasonable timeframe.
Since goats vary in size, shape, and teat spacing, the milking machine should be adjustable to fit the different herd configurations. Look for machines with adjustable claws, arms, and vacuum settings. The machine's sanitation system is also important. Look for a machine with a self-cleaning system that allows warm or hot water to circulate through the system for effective cleaning. Consider machines with separate storage containers for each goat to prevent cross-contamination.
Goat milking machines can also be categorized into vertical and horizontal types. A vertical goat milking machine has a vertical cylinder and is suitable for farms with limited space. A horizontal milking machine has a horizontal cylinder and is suitable for higher milk output.
Depending on the layout of the farm, the goat milking machine should be easy to transport around different grazing areas. It should come with wheels or a portable backpack so it can be transported easily and efficiently.
Q1: How does a goat milking machine work?
A1: A goat milking machine works by creating a vacuum that sucks milk from the udder into a container. It consists of a vacuum pump, pulsator, claw, liners, and a receiver jar. The machine is attached to the goat's teats, and as the pulsator generates a sucking and releasing rhythm, the milk is extracted and collected in the jar.
Q2: Are milking machines safe for goats?
A2: Milking machines are safe for goats if handled properly and correctly adjusted. They can help reduce teat damage and rough handling during manual milking. It's important to use machines with soft rubber liners that replicate natural milking and avoid excessive vacuum pressure.
Q3: How often can goats be milked with a milking machine?
A3: Milking machines can be used to milk goats once or twice daily, depending on the quantity of milk produced, the farm schedule, and routine practice. Goats are usually milled in the morning and evening. For milking machines users, please ensure one daily or two constant daily milking to keep milking machine users' goats healthy and stay on the right track. If milking goats for profit, please make sure to always have customers lined up to buy goat milk or goat milk products.
Q4: Can milking machines be used for every breed of goat?
A4: Yes, milking machines can be used for all goat breeds. However, some small-scale farmers who keep their goats for milk might find that their milking machine customers prefer the breeds they market. Also, larger farms with larger commercial customers might only consider certain breeds that are more desired than others. Please make sure to do proper research before purchasing. The milking machine should have features that suit large volumes of milk and robust construction.
Q5: How significantly can milking machines cut down milking time?
A5: Milking machines can reduce milking time by 60% to 70% compared to hand milking, depending on the machine's size, automation level, and number of goats being milked. Automated machines help streamline the process and allow a single person to milk multiple goats efficiently.
