Posted by Jean on February 01, 2001 at 03:48:48:
I had a message from another list from a long time goat milker who swears that alfalfa hay leaves a taste in the milk. I would like to know everyone's experience and/or opinion on this. I notice a peculiar taste in the cheeses and am wondering if this might be the cause. The feta I made last from the time when we were out of alfalfa does not have that taste. Hubby says it's because we don't have a buck in close proximity to the does any more. (Job done, he went home.) I believe it's the hay but need this verified or denied.
If the alfalfa is causing it, what other high protein hay can we replace it with?
We pasturize our milk, cool rapidly in ice water. We have Saanen does.
Thanks, all.