Posted by Nat on March 18, 2001 at 14:46:00:
In Reply to: new to nubians, a few ?'s posted by liz on March 18, 2001 at 11:51:09:
Milking systems set up for goats will currently run you about $900-1200: for your vaccum pump, pulsator, milking lines, claw and bucket. I was told by a few farms that unless you have at least 5 goats, or a health problem (such as arthritis, or carpel tunnel) it isn't worth the expense. Actually, the time saved, wouldn't be that much if you figure in the time it takes to milk and then sanitize the machinery.
If you still want to get one, you can probably find a used machine from another goat farmer for cheaper, or else Caprine Supply, Hoggers, Nasco has ready to use systems, or even contact DeLaval (a big dairy company).
hope I helped, I'm sure others on this board that have more experience with machine milking can lend more insight.
-Nat's Little Bit Farm