Here is how Johnnie used a vacuum pump to make a great inexpensive milker.
He purchased a vacuum pump with a gauge, the type used to bleed brakes. They can be purchased at any auto store. The one he used he purchased at Checker Auto for $25.00 and it is made of plastic. Nampa has one made of brass for $50. Try to find the biggest bottle, so you don't have to stop the flow of milk to change bottles as often. Changing the original bottle for a larger one didn't work.
He added a longer piece of 1/4" tube 24" long to go from the pump to the goat or sheep and to give you room to work. This is connected to a large syringe body with a tip that fits over the 1/4" tubing and will be the cup you place over the teat. Attach it together with a couple of 1/4" hose clamps.
Gauge is important it allows you to regulate steady pressure. Too much presssure will collapse the teat and you won't get any flow. Ours worked best at between 10 and 15 pounds of pressure. It varied of course with the goat or sheep.
We don't have a dairy and we have used ours a lot. It's been really handy to take out and milk out some colostrum for the kids and the lambs just to make sure they get what they need for a healthy start.
It would be great for yearling does with small teats that need milking also. |
