Pasteurizing Milk

[MrsCountryChick]

I grew up on Fresh Cows Milk from our neighbor's Dairy. But since getting our Dairy Goat I've been pasteurizing her milk. (new to the whole Dairy Goat thing). But while the milk raw smells fine, I've noticed after pasteurizing the milk the smell reminds me subtly of powdered milk, ...is that normal? I pasteurized it according to my book -Storey's Guide to Raising Dairy Goats. It says to heat slowly heat to 165degrees for 15seconds. I did that, then immediately cooled it. But I'm Very picky & this to me is noticeable. Just wondered if this is normal.? & I have very young children in my extended family that would be a reason to pasteurize, so I'm just wondering if this is just a side effect of pasteurizing or is there a remedy for the smell?

 

[ruth]

I don't pasturize my goat's milk - it kills the helpful bacteria and defeats the whole purpose of getting our own dairy goat. Just milk her, strain it, and refrigerate it in a small fridge that gets it really cold, really fast. We drink it as fast as she gives it. It is absolutely delicious.

 

[Acre of Blessings]

Why pastuerize in the first place? If you want pastuerized milk just buy it at the store.

If I had a dairy cow (I know you are taliking about a goat here), there would be no way I'd mess with the milk. It's funny how the gov't has a lot of people thinking that raw milk is bad for you. Its their version that's bad.

Leave the milk in its natural state and you will benefit more from it.

 

[Old MacDanny]

It is my understanding that some milk needs pasteurizing, mainly due to poor nutrition, genetics, or mismanagement of the animals.

Is there some way to have your raw milk tested for bad bacteria from time to time so you know it's safe ? I would like to get into raw milk production, but I would want to make sure it's safe. Also, I've heard that modern breeds of Holstein cattle are succeptable to diseases which cause harmful bacteria in their milk, and that they would be a poor choice for raw milk production. Is that true ?

 

[ruth]

A dairy goat, raised in a loving, caring environment, that hasn't been shot full of meds or sick with disease, that is milked with clean utensils and the milk quickly chilled.....welll - that's as good and healthy as milk will ever get.

There are even "back-room" "boot-leg" "speak-easy" places where people are standing in line and paying top dollar to get real raw milk. It's health benefits are amazing.

I even read a report where they added e-coli to a batch of raw milk and a batch of pastureized milk. After a short period of time it was no longer present in the raw milk - the "good" bacteria took care of it. Of course, it was growing in the pastureized milk.

 

[MrsCountryChick]

TB is the only thing I wonder about. I'm going to pasteurize her milk till we have her TB tested.

Grew up on raw cow's milk, nothing better I agree. But for kids under 2yrs I've heard pasteurizing is best because their immune systems aren't fully developed yet... who knows what that has to do with anything.

But I've heard of that just like the whole no raw honey for kids under 2yrs too.

If we have her tested for TB & we get another goat, before we have her tested can she transmit TB to our original goat? I know someone who contacted TB thru raw goat's milk is the only reason I'm concerned about TB. Statistics say the risk is low I understand, but when you know someone who Did contact it thru perfectly healthy handled raw goat's milk.... it get's ya wondering & taking Extra precaution.

Kinda like it 'can't happen to me' until you know someone that it "Did" happen to.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Yes, TB is not real common in this country anymore but, it can happen. Test for it if it makes you feel better--nothing wrong with that.

Raw milk is better for you than the store stuff as long as your animals are healthy.

As for testing your backyard goat, cow, sheep, etc, look for a testing lab in your area that tests milk. They will charge a fee but, if it eases your mind it will be worth it.

 

[DiVon80]

Hay! Knew young babies who were put on raw goat milk because the had allergies to formula's... Your just killing a good thing.

 

[cassie]

Quote:
No. There are a few diseases that can be transmitted directly by the cow or goat to the milk. Brucellosis and tuberculosis are two that come to mind. Must most bacterial contamination of the milk is from how it is handled. Like how clean is the equipment and whether you got manure in the milk. The breed of cow or goat has nothing to do with it. Neither does nutrition or genetics.

 

[Texgran]

I understand the bangs and tb deal. Have her tested. Then you can feel comfortable with the kids drinking her raw milk. It's true many infants would die without goats milk, but I don't know if they have it pasturized. I think Tb and bangs is the main reason for pasturizing other than a hoof in the bucket.
Goats milk is a little more fragile than cows milk. Caprine gases may release during the pasturizing process making the flavor off a little. The milk is still good(of course, not as good as raw). You also want to stick it in the freezer with the lid ajar as soon as you have it poured up. That way the milk will chill faster. Quick chilled goats milk will keep it's good flavor longer. I say good. Many people are not offended by caprine tasting milk. I like mine fresh and sweet, but then, I don't like goat cheese. So, it's up to individual taste. I do love my goats and the sweet healthy milk they give. I get a little more than 3 gallons a day from my 3 girls.