Machine milking sheep and goats: what to watch for

Milking sheep and goats by machine saves time and helps collect cleaner milk. But these animals are not cows, and milking them with cow settings can harm the udder and reduce yield. This article sums up the main points to watch.

Why sheep and goats are different

Sheep and goats have two teats, and their teats differ in size and shape from a cow's. That is why a two-cup cluster and suitable teat liners made for them are used. Because much of the milk is stored in the cistern of the udder, milk flow usually starts fast and drops off quickly.

Vacuum and pulsation settings

Sheep and goats are usually milked at a lower vacuum than cows. As general guidance, this is roughly 36–42 kPa in many systems, while the pulsation rate is set higher than for cows and can range from about 90 to 180 cycles per minute. These figures vary between systems and between animals.

• Go by the values in your machine's manual.
• Settings may need changing when you switch between sheep and goats.
• Check the vacuum gauge before every milking.
• If you are unsure about a setting, call Akçay technical service.

Our sheep and goat milking machines can be used for both animals. Our video shows the adjustment step by step.

Hygiene before milking

• Milk in a clean, dry place; the animals should not be standing in mud.
• Wash your hands or wear clean gloves.
• Clean and dry the teats. Wet teats make the cups slip and let dirt get into the milk.
• Strip the first few squirts of milk into a separate cup and look at them. Clots, colour change or watery milk can point to an udder problem.
• Make sure the cluster and hoses are clean and undamaged before each milking.

During milking

• Attach the cups soon after preparing the teats.
• Avoid letting too much air in when attaching the cups and while milking.
• Remove the cluster when milk flow stops. Carrying on milking an empty udder strains the teats and can damage them.
• Shut off the vacuum before removing the cups; do not pull them off.

Protecting udder health

If you notice hardness, swelling or heat in the udder, or any change in the milk, keep that animal apart and milk it last. This reduces the chance of an infection spreading to other animals through the cluster. Dipping teats in a teat-dip solution after milking is also common practice. If the signs continue, consult a vet.

Teat liners should be changed regularly for sheep and goats too. Worn liners milk more slowly and can irritate the teats. For replacement liners, clusters and pulsators, see the spare parts section of our site or give us a call.