Predisposing risk factors to milk quality and safety in smallholder dairy enterprises in Kenya
Author(s): Alaru PAO, Shitandi AA, Mahungu SM and Muia JMK
Abstract: The unhygienic milk handling practices along the value chain predispose it to microbial and chemical contamination. This study aimed to investigate the on-farm practices related to animal health management and milk handling predisposing risk factors to milk quality and safety in Githunguri. A cross-sectional survey using a pre-tested questionnaire was administered to randomly selected smallholder dairy farmers (n= 457). Most farmers have enhanced standard measures for clean and safe milk production. However, a portion of them do not adhere to recommended practices such as screening workers for zoonotic diseases (82.8%), striping of milk for mastitis test (47.1%), teat dipping after milking (68%), feeding mouldy feeds to animals (35.2%) and observe withdrawal period after drugs administration (23.3%). The use of untreated water for sanitation and plastic containers for milk storage poses a threat to the quality and safety of milk. Furthermore, variations of farmers' demographic characteristics on milk collection routes influenced hygienic milk handling practices (p<0.05). Hence, a need to develop programmes to educate farmers on good agricultural practices, surveillance and control of hazards at the production level.
Alaru PAO, Shitandi AA, Mahungu SM, Muia JMK. Predisposing risk factors to milk quality and safety in smallholder dairy enterprises in Kenya. Int J Vet Sci Anim Husbandry 2022;7(6):04-10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/veterinary.2022.v7.i6a.446