How to Build a Goat Milking Stand

Dairy goats usually require milking every 12 hours. Bending over low enough to reach the teats of a goat can be back breaking. A goat milking stand is almost a necessity for anyone milking goats. It is also useful for medically treating goats and sheep. Milking stands are available commercially, but can be easily homemade. Several plans are available from state extension offices on the Internet.

Things You'll Need

  • Utility grade 2 in. by 4 in. wood
  • Nails
  • Saw
  • Plywood (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Building a Goat Milking Stand

    • 1

      Build the pedestal. According to plans available from the Louisiana State University AgCenter, the floor of the milking stand should be approximately 16 inches above the floor. The stand can be built higher or lower, depending on the desires of the person doing the milking. The legs can be built of 2 in. by 4 in. lumber or a angle iron. The plans for the goat milking stand from LSU include a 20 in. by 48 in. floor to the stand. The floor of the stand can be made of plywood or galvanized metal.

    • 2

      Construct the stanchion. A stanchion is a framework with at least one movable side. The goat places its head through the opening of the stanchion. The movable side of the stanchion is then partially closed to the neck of the animal. The idea of a stanchion is so the animal's head will be held in place by the stanchion framework, which is enclosing the animal's neck.

      The stanchion plan from the LSU AgCenter is 52 inches high from ground level. The stanchion is the same width as the pedestal of the milking stand. Uprights to form the stanchion are constructed of one-inch steel tubing. Include a latch assembly to hold the stanchion in a closed position when the goat is in the milking stand.

      It is customary to feed the goat a little grain or other feed while the milking is being done. Attach brackets to the stanchion to hold a feed bucket or pan in place.

    • 3

      Place the milking stand in the area that will be used as a milking parlor. Traditionally, goats have been milked from the right side. However, if the space allotted for milking does not allow access from the right, the goats can be trained to accept milking from the left side.

      Many dairy goat operators have multiple milking stands. The udder of the goat is washed and allowed to dry for at least one minute before milking. By utilizing a second goat milking stand, the farmer can more efficiently use their time during the milking process.