Goat Udder Wash
I have seen so many recipes for udder wash and different methods to try to keep things sanitary. We have tried a lot of things and I firmly believe that people should use what works best for them, so this is just what we prefer.
Our team has tried an assortment of wipes and sprays - from specific udder wipes, to antibacterial wipes and baby wipes, sprays heavy in alcohol, those with soap and some without. The wipes are convenient (until they dry out) but they are not particularly good for the environment - they don’t decompose well and were using at least two per goat twice a day - that was a lot of wipes. It is also not so easy to get wipes that are antibacterial but not harsh on the soft skin of the udders, so our girls teats were really drying out. Same goes for the sprays that had a higher alcohol content.
Below is my go to recipe which seems to do the best job of cleaning without over drying or leaving a residue behind. It is so easy to use and remarkably quick to clean.
How to make your own Goat Udder Wash:
1 - 24oz spray bottle
24 oz Distilled Water
2 tbspn BioKleen all natural Dish Soap
1/2 c Isopropyl Alcohol
20 Drops Tea Tree Oil
20 Drops Eucalyptus Oil
10 Drops Lavender Oil
Combine in your spray bottle, swish and spray!
The distilled water ensures there are no outside minerals in the water, the dishsoap is free and clear so nothing harmful or lingering there, the alcohol combined with the top three essential oils with antibacterial properties ensures great sanitization and best reduction of bacteria.
I have been using essential oils for decades and love their holistic benefits, but this is not medically proven to be the best solution, so always consult your vet or local goat professionals before taking any advice you might find online.
We find this to be easy to use, removes dirt quickly and is easy on the udder. Again, this comes with NO GUARANTEES that it will prevent mastitis in your goats. It is so difficult to keep goats clean, especially in the rainy season in Texas, so you also need to take every step possible to keep your pens and animals clean and dry.
