Category: Nigerian Dwarf Goats

In this post we take a look at how to complete first milk test paperwork and test day procedures. The first time you test your herd as an owner/sampler I suggest filling out the goat information paperwork a day or two before you actually collect milk samples. I made a few mistakes and had a lot of questions, so I am going to share based on what I did wrong and what I learned with a video.

How to Complete First Milk Test Paperwork

On the initial paperwork you will list each doe on milk test along with their registration numbers and the registration numbers of their sire and dam. This paperwork goes in with the first milk sample and only goes in one time.

As you can see in this example you list the registration number of doe on test, the date of birth, the sire and dam registration numbers and her barn name. because this is a bit tedious in my opinion, I suggest you fill this out a day or two ahead of when you actually complete your first test.

The video below covers the basic test day paperwork you will fill out each time. Below you will see a picture of the additional paperwork you will fill out the first time your herd is on test. This is not annual, rather it has been one time only based on my experience. After every collection and milk samples are submitted you will receive new sheets to fill out for the next test.

Test Day Procedures Milking, Weighing and Collecting Samples

On test day you will collect milk samples from the morning milking and the evening milking or from an evening miking and morning miking. These are up to you but the 2 samples collected need to be back-to-back milkings. I find it easiest to collect all samples on one day and collect first in the morning and second in the evening.

Needed materials for test day.

1. Milk bucket
2. Calibrated official scales*
3. Ladle
4. Labeled collection vials
5. Paper and pen to record weights and times
6. Official paperwork to fill out
7. an ink pen

*Your calibrated scales will come from your affiliate associate. Also note: the collection vials contain a small orange bead to preserve the milk sample. This is toxic to cats and other animals.

Collection Procedure

Prior to beginning the milking and collection, label each vial with the corresponding number of the goat. I like to use a separate notebook to record the goats barn name, and number with two columns to record am and pm weights. Either above or below I document start and stop times, am or pm.

I like to keep this separate documentation in the event I need to reference in the future, and it keeps the official paperwork clean. Later, I transfer this information to the official paperwork later before mailing in the samples. I use a barn notebook where I document all the barn happenings. I reserve some space in that book just for milk testing documentation.

Once these are set up and the vials are in a safe place nearby, I proceed with the following steps:

1. Milk the goat
2. Weigh the milk with the calibrated scale
3. Record the weight
4. Stir/Mix the milk
5. Scoop out the milk sample
6. Pour milk into the sample vial

There are nice lines on the plastic sample vials to help. Store until next milking or mailing. (1/2 for first milking and fill it for the second milking).

I then proceed to the next goat until all are milked.

The samples do not go in a refrigerator, and should not be in extremely warm temperatures exposed to direct sunlight.

The day of your verification test you will not be recording weights or collecting the samples your VT will do those steps. Your only job that day is to milk the goats, handing the milk to the certified verification tester. That person will keep the milk samples in his or her possession at all times.

Before mailing the samples be sure to fill out the official paperwork recording the weights and other information using an ink pen.

Mailing the Samples

Indiana Dairy Association gives milk testers the option to prepay for mailing labels through the UPS. I have always used this option. One it saves money and two the convenience of attaching a label and only needing to drop off the box.

The milk sample vials are returned to the box in order. The first vial needs your herd code written on the side of the bottle. The milk samples are mailed to a lab along with the official paperwork you filled out.  A copy of the paperwork is sent to the state dairy association. Here in Indiana, you have the option to email or snail mail the paperwork to the associate. I prefer email as it is faster and gets you the results faster.

Your affiliate associate will provide you with material explaining details of what milk test day includes. Be sure to read through all their provided instructions. Especially if you are working with a different affiliate than I am, they may have slightly different policies and ways of carrying out the paperwork and mailing. But either way read through all the information provided to you.

Again, when your herd is on a Verification Test the certified tester will mail the official sheets and samples to the lab along with the information that goes to the affiliate associate.

This wraps up what a test day entails. Generally, within 1 to 3 days after sending the samples to the lab you will have your test results. Look for a post on reading and understanding lab results in a future post.

Want to learn more about getting your herd started on milk test?

Want to learn more about all the ADGA performance programs?

The CG Heartbeats Farm Nigerian Dwarf does went on milk test for the first time in 2023. It has been a year of learning for me. I am sharing my first year experiences, mistakes I made, what I have learned and how I hope to improve next year while sharing how to get started milk testing your goats.

First steps to Milk testing your goats

When milk testing ADGA (American Dairy Goat Association) does, not only do you work with ADGA but also your regional dairy association as a part of DHI or Dairy Herd Improvement and the DRMS or Dairy Records Management System.

There are 2 associations you need to sign up with the ADGA and your reginal DHI affiliate. I suggest starting with the DHI affiliate. There is no deadline to sign up with ADGA IF you are a new herd. There is a deadline for renewing herds. For the flow of this post, I am going to start with ADGA.

American Dairy Goat Association beginning steps for milk testing

For ADGA you need to fill out the application to go on milk test and pay the appropriate fees. The ADGA fees for 2024 are  .  When you are a renewing herd the fees are reduced by $5. There are several options to choose from when milk testing your does. Each has its owns set of requirements, results and some are overlapping.

ADGA testing Options Explained

Each breeder has the option to choose the right one for the season they are in and their herd goals. Below is the list of options then we will look at what they are exactly to help you choose the best option for your herd. Understanding what each option provides and requires will help you decide what is best for your herd.

Deciding who will conduct the milk tests

You have 3 choices as to who will be conducting the milk tests. Some options provide a combination of testers.

Standard: A certified Tester visits once a month and conducts the milk tests. One test must be a Verification test by a separate certified tester besides the regular tester.

Group testing: 3 or more farms from a circle where farm a tests farm b who tests farm c. Each must be certified by the DHIR to be a tester.

Owner sampler or O/S: Owner conducts monthly milk tests. One month a certified tester conducts a verification test.

Choosing which test is right for your herd

There are different testing options are described in the ADGA Rule book available only to ADGA members. Lets start by how to view the rule book and where to find the specific information on milk testing options.

You will find the rule book available for download or viewing on the home page of ADGA

http://adga.org 

You will need the password emailed to you for access the rule book. Once entered go to page 25 of the rule book. Here you will find detailed descriptions of each. Each member is given a code via email to gain access to the rule book.

Definition of milk testing options

Standard: A certified milk tester conducts the tests once a month. If you want the goats to be eligible for top 10 recognition, you will need a verification test conducted by a different certified tester.

Owner Sampler 40 ST Owner conducts milk tests except for one verification test when the majority of your heard is between day 60-150 days in milk or DIM. Qualifying does receive ST recognition if documentation is sent in by the owner.

Owner Sampler 40 AR Owner conducts milk tests except for one verification test when the majority of your herd is between day 60-150 DIM Qualifying does are eligible for Advanced registry recognition but not top 10 leader. This option has additional requirements. Does must have 8 test and be in milk at leawt 240 days.

There are also several options to use a combination of a verified tester and owner sampler when collection samples and weights. Please take a few minutes to read about them all in the rule book.

There is a condensed version of each option available to anyone in the DHIR testing info on the ADGA website, but I would have benefited from reading the Rule book descriptions to begin with.

.As you might have noticed there are options allowing for bulk tanks testing. I am not going to speak to this as I have no current experience with bulk tank testing options.

Keep in mind even when conducting the O/S tests one test will need to be conducted by a certified tester.

DHI Affiliates

The other place you need to sign up with is a regional DHI association. To view the list of DHI affiliates click below:

http://www.quality-certification.com/certifiedfield.asp

You can go with one in your region or one across the country. It truly is your choice. My advice is to reach out to other farms who are on test and ask who they use and why. I did this as I was putting this post together and learned a local farm has opted to work with a DHI affiliate clear across the country. She shared why and I intend to further research to deepen my knowledge base.

I have been pleased with my current affiliate and her helpfulness, so I am not directly looking to change, but I always like to learn.

Becoming a Certified Tester

Once you have chosen your DHI affiliate you will need to be certified tester IF you have chosen the owner sampler option. Each affiliate will have a procedure and test for you to take. I doubt they will all be exactly alike but I will share my experience with the Indiana State Dairy Association. Keep in mind your exact experience may differ based on which DHI affiliate you are working with. Also if you choose the Standard Option You will not need to become certified, but you will still need to sign up with a DHI affiliate.

Indiana State Dairy Association has a test given to all testers choosing the owner sampler option and those wanting to be a verified tester for other farms. The director emailed me various files of information and the test I would be taking in written form. I choose to return the test and appropriate fees by UPSP. But I think I had the option to return a copy of the completed test via email.

The Indiana State Dairy Association offers the option to prepay for shipping labels through United Postal Service. Not only do I save money on shipping samples each time, I also save time when I ship the package. You will want to check with your affiliate to find out what shipping options are available.

Data Storage Sites

There are 4 companies who store data for milk testing. The Indiana State Dairy Association works with the following Dairy Records Management System or DRMS. One benefit I find helpful is the ability to get online within days of sending samples to view the results. Here I can download the results and print them if I desire. I also have the option to have printed reports sent to me each month for a fee. The DHI affiliate you choose will connect you with the data storage service they work with.

Be Encouraged

If all this information seems confusing, do NOT put pressure on yourself to find the perfect one. Pick one that looks best to you and get started. Learn in your first year. You are NOT locked into 1 testing option for the remainder of your life. You can make changes each year as to which option is best for your herd goals. 

Get your feet wet, have fun, at the very least you will enjoy knowing what kind of volume, butterfat, and protein your does are producing. The data will help you decide what bucks to look for as you work to improve the breed and your herd, what animals are producing the best and who you desire to keep and who to move on. I cannot say enough how much I appreciate all I learned in my first year about my does and the milk testing process itself. JUST Start!

Additional Resources

The following video contains information to help understand getting started with milk testing.

ADGA has a list of frequently ask questions and additional resources on that page. Use the following link: https://adga.org/knowledgebase/dhir-faqs/

What I wish I would have known

305 days in milk:

As I read through the rule book on Milk testing, I learned the importance of keeping a doe in milk for 305 days. Rule # 19 states a doe needs to hit the required numbers in 305 days or less. This speaks to the next point I did not fully understand.

Value of Testing Monthly

Due to my financial and time circumstances last March through July I opted to not conduct any tests (no samples sent in and no weights recorded). Most of my does were at their peak lactation during this period. A couple of the does hit their numbers anyway. Looking back, I am convinced at least one of them would have hit her numbers and stared if I had documented and sent in samples. Her highest milk volume was not recorded.  I especially regret this for her because she experienced serious difficulties in delivery, and I will not be breeding her for 2024.

Cost of Testing

Each test averaged $50 to $60. At the basic 8 tests my total invested in the testing process alone came to over $400. Also, the initial cost of becoming certified, (good for 2 years) cost of a scales and annual calibration was less than $50.

In Conclusion

After reading this post do you still have questions how to get started milk testing your goats? Leave a comment below and I will do my best to help you or point you to someone who can.

Before buying goats there are 5 things to have in place. Your goats will need shelter from the elements and predators, clean fresh water, feed, and established routine maintenance. You need a goat mentor or 2 because there are bound to be questions as you began your goat ownership journey. Read on to learn what you need to know before buying goats.

While not discussed in this post you will also want to consider your goals for your new goats, the best age of your new goat, and how many you are going to get. Plan to purchase at least 2, as they are a herd animal and need the companionship of another goat.

NOTE: This page or post contains affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase I earn a portion of the money you spend at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate and other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.

Shelter from the Element and Predators

Goats are a prey animal. Coyotes, wild (and some) domestic dogs, bears, mountain lions, and wolves would all enjoy a tasty goat meal.  Around here we also have large birds such as bald eagles. A new born Nigerian Dwarf baby weighing in at 3 lbs. or less are vulnerable to being snatched for a large bird’s lunch.

Goats are tough critters, but still need protection from wind, rain, snow and the hot beating sun of summer.

The type of shelter provided can vary greatly based on your available resources, type of predators in your area, and personal preferences.

A building with proper ventilation and a way to keep goats locked in at night will go a long way in bringing you piece of mind when the coyotes start howling.

Clean Fresh Water

As a child it was drilled into our heads at a young age the importance of clean water buckets and fresh water.  I heard about it if there was a single speck of dirt in a white scrubbed bucket.

I keep a scrub brush handy to eliminate any film or dirt build up on the goat’s water bucket. This brush is a different one than the one used on chicken waterers.  Both are located near the spicket where I fill my water containers at chore time.

Keeping the water containers clean and changing out the water seems to encourage a goat to drink.  I observed my goats on more than one occasion quickly drink from the bucket right after I fill it. This despite the fact there was water in the bucket for them to drink before I dumped and brought them fresh.

You may choose to use a small tank or buckets for watering your goats. I have found 2- or 2.5-gallon pails to be wonderful water buckets for 3 to 5 Nigerian Dwarf goats. However, in a larger herd a small tank would work well. Keep in mind you do not want any containers to be so full of water a baby could drown in it.

How Much Water does a Goat Drink?

The research I found varied. The amount of water a goat consumes changes based on the following:

• age of the goat
• size of the goat
• a pregnant doe
• a lactating doe (or a doe producing milk)
• current weather conditions

Feed

In researching and reading other experiences I found a wide variety of opinions on exactly what to feed goats.  Many of the differences appeared based on the goals for a particular goat. A goat in milk has different nutritional requirements than a pet wether or even a breeding buck. 

All goats need forage of some type. There are varying opinions on the benefit of feeding grain, and how often.

Processed Feeds or Whole Grain Mix?

Feed companies will tell you all the benefits of process feed over regular grain.  I personally prefer a whole grain as I believe going with a natural feed benefits any animal in the long run.  When I look no farther than my own grocery options, processed over whole foods and my decision is made. I fail to see the benefit in providing a processed food when a body whether mine or a goat is designed to break down and process whole food. 

These are my opinions. Please conduct your own research to find what works best for you. There are various companies providing both options at feed stores. Local mills are slowly fading. However, there are still places to have your own feed ration mixed with locally grown grains.

On CG heartbeats Farm we feed a 16% protein textured grain to the does. The bucks get a small amount or none at all which varies by season. The hay is a grass alfalfa mix for the does and a grass/alfalfa hay to the bucks with the does getting a higher percentage of alfalfa and bucks less. All have pasture access a portion of the day when the season and weather permits.

The feeding program here is subject to change as I continue to learn and grow my knowledge base.

Urinary Calculi

Urinary Calculi is considered prevalent in bucks and wethers over the does. The physical anatomy of a male goat’s makeup contributes to the problem. One school of thought suggests a high protein diet contributes to the creation of kidney stones and urethra blockage.  Another contributing factor is thought to be castrating or neutering too early. When planning a feeding program for bucks and wethers, you may want to feed little to no grain and a grass hay low in protein, calcium and phosphorous over alfalfa hay.

Routine Maintenance

• Hoof care
• Parasite prevention and Famacha Scores
• Vitamins and mineral supplements

Hoof Care

Goats need their hooves trimmed on a regular basis. Providing hard surfaces for them to play and live on will naturally reduce how often they need a trim.  With out natural wear, goats need their hooves trimmed every 4 weeks or so.  If they need corrective work you may need to trim them more often.  If they have hard surfaces wearing their foot, they can go longer than 4 weeks.

You will need a hoof trimmer to maintain hoof growth. A hoof trimmer will become dull before it is no longer good. You may want to locate a local option to sharpen your hoof trimmer or sharpen it yourself.

A rasp is helpful in adding a finished touch to a goat’s hoof. I especially like having 2 different rasp options as in the last picture. Click on any of the following pictures to view details when considering your purchasel

Parasite Prevention

Parasites are a part of an animal’s life. All animals are known to have some level of parasitic infection. The object is to keep parasite population at a controlled level so an animal will experience optimal health.

A good parasite prevention program reduces the need for harsh chemicals as a means to save an animal’s life. Pasture rotation and herbal supplements promote a healthy goat and a less likely chance of a parasite overload.  Land of Havilah provides excellent alternatives for parasite prevention and as a source of natural vitamin and mineral supplement. There are other herbal parasite prevention programs on the market. Land of Havilah is the one I use.

Monitoring Parasite Load

Monitoring a goats parasite load also helps to bring awareness to a goats need for additional support against parasites. Checking stool samples and FAMACHA scores are the other important tasks in staying ahead of parasite damage to goats.

Stool samples can be checked for parasites at your local veterinarian office. There are various labs who also provide this service. Meadowmist Labs from Michigan offers cost effective stool sample checks. You can drop off samples or mail them in.  Use the link to learn more. https://www.meadowmistlabservice.com/441123869

Checking a goats FAMACHA score involves looking at the color of a goat’s interior lower eyelid. One of the best descriptive videos I have found on You Tube can be seen using the link below.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Here is another topic you may desire to research further when determining what works for your herd. Briefly there are synthetic options or a more natural route. Just like our own bodies some vitamins we produce ourselves when given the proper tools.  In a roundabout way, providing vitamin and minerals helps against parasite overload too because a healthy animal promotes a better equipped immune system.

It is a safe bet the hay and grain we feed will vary in the amount and availability of certain vitamins and minerals.  For an example, here in the Midwest selenium is known to be lacking in the soil. The food grown here will not provide the selenium our bodies or our animals need. Supplements are needed to keep your goats healthy.

Still using selenium as an example, there are 3 ways to deliver the selenium, via IV or an injection into the vein, orally through a paste and orally through a powder they eat on their own.

There are also synthetic or natural options of vitamins and minerals on the market. All of these are considerations to research and decide which works best for you. You might want to experiment with different options to learn your best fit. 

Land of Havilah provides natural options via a couple different products, one is a powder, and one is a liquid. When you purchase either of these you are given a free online course to teach you how to use each one. The information include dosage, frequency, and how to use with various species. 

A Mentor

Finding other goat owners to reach out to when you have questions or problems makes the journey of new goat ownership easier. The person may be who you purchased your goat from, a person or farm you follow on social media who raises goats or a new friend who you met because they too have goats.

No single person knows everything. Each will have basic philosophy. Some rely less on chemicals and more on herbs and vitamins, others feel most confident in modern day medicines. Find mentors who share your same basic values. I always say there are 2 ways around the barn, and both get you to the other side.

We can all learn from each other, even if our views are not exactly the same. Don’t be afraid to hear a new perspective.

In Summery

Learning about these five topics will prepare you for what you need to know before buying goats. This provides a general idea to prepare you before bringing your goats home. There is always more to learn.

Keep in mind goats are a herd animal. Many farms will not sell you only 1 goat unless you have already have other goats to be a similar companion. Goats need other goats around as a part of their overall health. You would not want to put a mature buck with a 3-week-old bottle baby. While a bit of an exaggeration, it is important to understand goats are best housed with other goats of the same sex and age or group.

What to learn more about the Nigerian Dwarf goats at CG Heartbeats Farm? Click the link below:

https://www.dontclipmywings.com/nigerian-dwarf-herd/

Any questions? Please leave a comment below. Or email me at cgheartbeatsfarm@gmail.com

Nigerian Goat Milk is a delicious addition to one’s table whether in cooking or a simple glass of milk. However, in order for a dairy goat to provide milk they must first give birth. Inevitably there are baby goats who need to find their own purpose and subsequent new homes.  Let’s take a look at how the ADGA Performance Programs increase a herd’s value.

ADGA or the American Dairy Goat Association has 3 areas designed to increase (hopefully) the value of a goat herd.  These provide documented proof of performance and quality of a particular animal or in repeated generations establishing proven linage.

• Milk Testing
• Linear Appraisal
• ADGA Sanctioned shows

             ADGA Performance Program: Milk Testing

Milk testing documents the capacity or volume of milk produced and the percentage of butterfat and protein. Samples collected are also tested for SCC which indicate potential mastitis infections. ADGA has set a minimum for volume, butterfat and protein. If a doe attains these numbers in one or all of the 3 categories, she can be awarded a star.

2023 was my first year to conduct owner sampler milk tests. In the past year I learned a lot and while it took some trial and error to get it all, I am finally feeling confident when it comes to a milk testing routine. I plan to continue milk testing in 2024. First, I will need to take a test to become recertified. I will be recertified using email and/or snail mail. 

If you live in Indiana Elizabeth Shaw is your contact person. If you live in a different state, contact your state dairy association or state dairy goat association for further information. Another great resource is other goat breeders in your state.

Look for an upcoming post explaining the milk testing process in further detail.

              ADGA Performance Program: Linear Appraisal

A linear appraisal involves a day set aside where an approved or certified liner appraiser visits a farm to critique specific animals rating their physical characteristic. I have signed up for my first Linear Appraisal or LA in 2024. I am excited to learn. When filling out the ADGA form you have the option to visit a host herd or be a host farm yourself. For 2024 I am signed up to travel to another farm.

The initial fee is $45 with the option to add 3 DNA tests for $65 more. If your herd did not participate in LA the previous year there is an additional $10 fee. After the actual LA is conducted you will be billed your part of an LA. There is minimum stop fee of $400 split between the first $25 goats after that the fee is per goat.  As you can see, the price will vary.

I am still learning about LA and have read some posts and comments from others who have experienced LA for themselves.  If I was to sum up a few things I have read:

The appraisers themselves set particular guidelines impacting the actual process of the LA, these will vary but do not compromise the integrity of the appraisal. Rather they help keep the flow of the LA process streamlined to a particular group. In other words, the appraiser is given paramitas to organize the process at each testing sight.

Bucks get lowest priority for 2024.

Dry does are not usually appraised.

I am a newbie to LA and would love to hear your experience in a comment below. If you would like to read more about ADGA’s Linear Appraisal, click the link below:

Linear Appraisal – American Dairy Goat Association – ADGA

             ADGA Sanctioned Shows

ADGA approved shows provide an opportunity to learn how a particular animal compares to others in their age group, sex and breed. A show is of course based on someone’s opinion of the score card and depending on a judge’s interpretation of the card.

Goat shows provide an opportunity to connect with others who breed and enjoy goats. Winning a class or championship advertises the quality of your herd. Not to mention showing goats is a fun way to enjoy your animals.

I also get concerned thinking of disease risk that comes with showing goats, exposing them to other farms and the stress itself of showing and how it wears on an animal’s immune system. I would think having a plan in place for quarantine upon returning and supporting a goat’s immune system would be important.

Comparing the 3 ADGA Performance Programs

The time invested is divided out in a similar way as the funding.  A linear Appraisal is a lot of work for a few days or a week or 2 but then it is over. Milk testing takes a set day each month and then there is the paperwork prep and organization. But does not take an entire day at any point. Shows now they seem to be the most work when I look at the time spent training, preparing, traveling and then the actual show day or days. 

For me the choice is which do I focus on for 2024. They all take a degree of money. The Linear Appraisal is an upfront fee. The milk testing with an upfront fee and includes a monthly expense. Attending goat shows also has its costs in gas expense, show fees, equipment.

I chose milk testing as my first ADGA Performance programs in 2023. For 2024 I am signed up to participate in a Linear Appraisal. I have a loosely held goal of attending 3 ADGA sanctioned shows.

Are you planning on participating in any of these ADGA Performance programs?