We found a milking Nubian nearby (she freshened last week), and are getting a good deal on her (I think). The one obvious thing I forgot to ask was why the dairy from which we are purchasing her (it's a commercial goat dairy, milking about 300 head a day) was selling her (and another goat). I know what to look for in a sound goat, but, assuming she looks all right, for what sort of things should I have her vet-tested before we start consuming her milk?

Thanks! Andrea Gauland Big Flats NY

-- Andrea Gauland (andreagee@aol.com), March 11, 2002

Answers

mastitis? don't know what else. commercial dairies usually only keep phenomenal milkers-maybe she just didn't give enough? i'd sure go back and ask them and do a full blood work on her just to be sure she's as healthy as she looks.

-- laura (okgoatgal@hotmail.com), March 13, 2002.

I would sure ask why they are selling her, it could be anything from bad personality to low production. The dairies I have heard of keep does that produce as little as 4-6 lbs a day. If this doe doesn't produce enough for a dairy, you may want to rethink getting her. The other thing is that dairies generally are not able to afford to keep a disease free herd, especially CAE. I would ask lots of questions.

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), March 13, 2002.

she may be CAE positive, or she may be older than thier herd desires ,i know of several commercial milkers who cull does over age 7, not to say she wont milk for you , but they dont milk enough to keep in the herd

-- Beth Van Stiphout (willosnake@hotmail.com), March 13, 2002.