It's been about a month since I've posted and don't remember all that I've shared here. If I repeat myself, bear with me.
About two weeks ago, we decided to try milking Sugar only once a day. She was/is giving about 4 gallons (maybe a bit more) each day and this is kind of a borderline amount for once-a-day milking (OAD). Most of the recommendations I've seen suggest 3 gallons as a good quantity for dropping back to OAD. She's done fine with it, though, and we are vigilant about watching for mastitis. At the first sign (flakes on the milk filter) we will go back to TAD. We've cut back on her grain ration and will probably cut it back some more if she maintains condition.
Porter is still being kept in the stall that he shared with Taffy and to be honest, I'm a little embarrassed by that. I've never believed in keeping animals confined indoors except during the most extreme weather but we just can't let him in with Sugar and risk him trying to nurse and injuring her teats again. Not to mention, he is now 6 months old and likely capable of breeding. We should have him moved to the other barn by the end of the year. His stall will be a bit smaller but we can begin to let him outside. My plan is to keep Sugar in the pasture in front of her barn and let Porter have an area behind the other barn so they will be out of sight of one another.
We've all had the creepin' crud here this week - coughing, sore throat, fever, etc. - but everyone is well on their way back to health. This morning, I finished a mozzarella that had ripened overnight and am now working on a gouda-style. We plan on making a lot of cheese this winter.
Merry Christmas to all!
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