Why is it called 305 day milk test?
Officially, a lactation is 305 days and anything produced after that does not count toward stars.
Do I have to weigh and sample the milk every day?
No! You only need to weigh milk and take samples on test days. Most people test once a month.
- ADGA: Test days need to be more than 15 days but less than 45 days apart.
- AGS: The preferred number of days between tests is 30.
- MDGA: Tests need to be 25-45 days apart.
When should I do my first test?
Testing can begin as soon as the doe stops producing colostrum, usually 5 days after kidding.
- ADGA: Does must have their first test before they’re 90 days fresh for their data to count towards genetic evaluations (PTI scores, SG awards, etc) but they can still earn a milk star if their first test was after 90 days.
- AGS: Does must have their first test before 75 days fresh to earn stars.
- MDGA: Does must have their first test before 45 days fresh to earn stars.
What is a test day like?
Check out my
Milk Test Day page for a walk-through of a typical owner sampler test day.
Do I need someone “official” to come out and supervise me on test day?
That depends on which test type you choose.
- O/S 40 (Owner Sampler): You must be a certified tester. If you’re just going for ST stars (cannot be passed on to bucklings), you do not need anyone to come out and supervise any tests. Your does earn their stars when they meet minimum production requirements in volume OR fat OR protein. If you’re going for AR stars (can be passed on to bucklings), you need another certified tester to supervise one of your tests when the majority of your herd has been in milk for 60-150 days. This is called a verification test. Your does earn their stars when they meet minimum production requirements in BOTH volume and butterfat, have been in milk for at least 240 days, and have had at least 8 tests.
- Standard or Group Test: There are lots of options. DHIA West does a good job of summarizing them. Options include a certified tester coming out for all of your test days and various combinations of you and another certified tester doing partial or full test days. Some plans require a verification test, some don’t. The advantages to these plans are does earning their AR stars before 240 days in milk and qualifying for Top Ten awards (ADGA).
Who can come out and supervise my verification test?
- ADGA: Anyone approved by any DHIA but cannot be a family member or someone who co-owns a goat with you.
- AGS: Anyone approved by any DHIA but cannot be a family member, an employer, an employee, or someone who co-owns a goat with you.
- MDGA: Anyone approved by any DHIA but cannot be a family member, someone who has purchased a goat from you, or someone who has sold a goat to you.
Can I do a one day milk test as my verification test?
Yes! You will have to fill out the paperwork for both the one day test and the verification test, but you can do both at the same time! Check out my
one day milk test page for more info.
How much does my doe need to produce to earn a milk star?
How do I get started?
1. Contact a DHIA! Shipping times, pricing, and reliability are all important to consider when choosing your DHIA. I personally use Washington DHIA. A list of DHIAs can be found on the National DHIA website and ADGA also has their own list. You do not have to choose one in your own state. The DHIA you choose will give you a test to take on testing procedures. It’s open book. Use Google, check DHIR/DHIA/milk test Facebook groups, watch YouTube videos about filling out milk test paperwork, ask a friend. When you finish your test they will assign you a tester number and a herd code. They will ask you to choose a processing center to handle your data and then mail you the sample vials and paperwork you need for your first test. I use Amelicor but have also heard good things about DRMS.
2. Buy a scale to weigh milk and have it calibrated. The scale must be able to measure tenths of pounds. I use an American Weigh Scales PK-110 that cost $20. Any DHIA can calibrate your scale for a small fee.
3. Sign up with your breed registry:
Links