Blown teats in goats refer to udders that have lost structural integrity, often due to repeated kidding, poor udder attachment, injury, or mastitis. Here’s how to identify if a goat has blown teats:
Signs of Blown Teats:
1. Overly Large or Sagging Udder – The udder appears excessively stretched, pendulous, or lacks strong attachment to the body.
2. Misshapen or Elongated Teats – Teats may be abnormally long, thick, or stretched, making it difficult for kids to nurse properly.
3. Lack of Elasticity – The udder skin may appear thin and stretched out, with little ability to return to its normal shape after milking.
4. Poor Milk Flow or Leakage – Teat sphincters may become weak, causing milk to leak or making it difficult to milk out properly.
5. Hard Knots or Lumps – Scar tissue or mastitis-related issues may cause thickening or lumps in the udder.
6. Uneven Udder Size – One side may be significantly larger or more stretched than the other, indicating past trauma or overuse.
Causes:
Multiple Kiddings – Repeated stretching from frequent pregnancies.
Poor Genetics – Weak udder attachment and poor teat structure can be hereditary.
Mastitis or Injury – Infection or physical damage can weaken the udder tissue.
Overmilking or Mismanagement – Leaving kids on too long or improper hand-milking techniques can contribute.
Management Options:
Selective Breeding – Choose does with strong udder attachments and well-placed teats.
Supportive Care – Use proper milking techniques, and consider udder supports for high-producing does.
Retirement or Culling – If a doe's udder is no longer functional or causing discomfort, retirement from breeding or culling may be necessary.
Managing a goat with blown teats depends on the severity of the condition and whether she is still in milk production. Here are some strategies to help maintain her health and comfort:
1. Udder Support & Comfort
Udder Supports or Slings – If the udder is excessively pendulous, a well-fitted udder support can reduce strain and discomfort.
Proper Bedding – Keep bedding clean, dry, and well-cushioned to prevent trauma or infections.
2. Milking Adjustments
Frequent, Gentle Milking – If she is still producing milk, frequent milking (2–3 times daily) helps prevent mastitis and discomfort.
Careful Hand-Milking – Avoid excessive pulling on stretched teats; use a gentle rolling motion.
Machine Milking Consideration – A machine with adjustable settings may reduce strain on large or weak teats.
3. Mastitis Prevention & Udder Health
Regular Udder Checks – Feel for lumps, heat, or hard spots that may indicate mastitis or scar tissue buildup.
Post-Milking Teat Dip – Use an antiseptic dip after milking to prevent infections.
Massage & Circulation – Gentle massage with a warm cloth or udder balm can improve circulation and elasticity.
4. Nutrition & Supplements
Balanced Diet – Ensure proper protein, vitamins (especially vitamin E & selenium), and minerals for tissue health.
Collagen & Herbal Support – Some goat owners use herbal remedies or collagen supplements to support tissue integrity.
5. Breeding Considerations
Retirement from Breeding – If blown teats are severe, retiring the doe from breeding can prevent further damage.
Selective Breeding – If she is still productive, only breed to bucks with strong udder genetics to improve offspring quality.
6. Long-Term Management & Culling
Monitoring Quality of Life – If a doe struggles with mobility, infection, or milk production issues, humane culling may be considered.
Companion or Dry Doe Role – If she is otherwise healthy, she can remain in the herd as a dry companion goat.
If you’re looking to retire a doe with blown teats, here are the key steps to ensure a smooth transition and maintain her well-being:
1. Drying Off the Udder (If Still in Milk)
If she is still producing milk, you’ll need to dry her off gradually to avoid mastitis.
Gradually Reduce Milking – Shift to once a day, then every other day, then stop altogether.
Limit High-Energy Feeds – Reduce grain and alfalfa to decrease milk production.
Support Udder Health – Monitor for heat, swelling, or hardness, and use anti-inflammatory herbs (like peppermint or calendula) if needed.
2. Adjusting Diet for Maintenance
Once dried off, transition her to a diet suited for a dry doe:
Good-Quality Hay – Grass hay or mixed hay is ideal. Limit alfalfa if she doesn’t need the extra calcium.
Minerals & Supplements – Provide loose goat minerals with proper copper and selenium levels.
Maintain Healthy Weight – Adjust feed to prevent obesity, as retired does don’t need as many calories.
3. Herd Integration & Social Considerations
Keep Her in a Herd – Goats are social and do best with companions.
Monitor for Bullying – If she’s older or weaker, ensure she’s not getting pushed around by younger goats.
Separate at Feeding if Necessary – If she’s slower to eat, feed her separately to ensure she gets enough nutrition.
4. Health Monitoring & Long-Term Care
Check Udder Regularly – Even though she’s retired, watch for signs of mastitis, cysts, or infections.
Hoof & Dental Care – Older goats may need more frequent hoof trimming and dental checks.
Parasite Management – Retired goats are still susceptible to parasites, so continue regular monitoring.
5. Finding a Role for Her
Even though she’s retired from milking, she can still have a purpose in the herd:
Babysitter for Kids – Some older does are great at teaching young kids herd behavior.
Companion for Another Goat – She can be paired with another retired goat, a dry doe, or a young replacement doe.
Therapy or Pet Goat – If she’s friendly, she may make a great farm ambassador or therapy animal.
This special doe has officially retired! At 8 years old, she has been an absolute powerhouse in milk production. Her udder was so massive this year that I had to milk her before she even kidded—pulling an incredible 1.5 gallons of bright yellow, liquid gold colostrum.
She delivered triplet does, each over 7 lbs, and the sheer weight of her udder and kids made it difficult for her to get up. To ensure her health and comfort, we induced when it was safe, and now she’s enjoying a well-earned retirement.
She’s given so much over the years, and now it’s time for her to just relax and enjoy life. (She came to us several years ago and hadn't been taken care of.)