On another thread I read that if you add cows milk to the goat milk then the goats milk would seperate the cream from the milk. First does cows milk do this? Second could you use instant milk to get the same effect? I was just thinking that if this did work might be a good way for those of us with small goat herds seperate the cream without having to use a cream seperator. thanks gail

-- gail missouri ozarks (gefozarks@centurytel.net), March 19, 2002

Answers

I read a similar thread and did some searching, but no clear cut answers. Appears that it may be due to an enzyme in the cows milk and I doubt that instant milk will still have any active enzyme(s).

Found this source: Milk Fat BioChem, http://classes.aces.uiuc.edu/AnSci308/fatsynthesis.html the milk fat globule is membrane-surrounded and has a number of membrane-associated proteins. These proteins and others trapped during the process of separating cream from whole milk (usually by some type of centrifugation) are important for the whipping properties of cream.

-- BC (desertdweller44@yahoo.com), March 19, 2002.

It ain't goin' to happen. Had goats for years the cream won't seperate, the fat particles are smaller than with a cow milk. Mixing it with cow's milk the only thing to rise would be the cow's cream. jack c.

-- jack c (injack1@aol.com), March 20, 2002.

I milked my nubian and her milk was rich, on a quart jar in the fridge I got an average of 1/2 inch or better, but it had to set for several days..read somewhere that seperation is aided by putting the milk in a shallow bowl...

-- Bee White (bee@hereintown.net), March 21, 2002.

I put my milk in gallon jars and after sitting over night, I can skim 1/2" to 3/4" of cream off the top. I get enough every 7 to 10 day to make about 1½ lbs. of fresh butter. I have Am. alpines.

-- Marcia (HrMr@webtv.net), March 21, 2002.