Small-scale Dairy Farms Research Articles

UNDERSTANDING DAIRY SMALLHOLDERS’ INTENTION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CONTROL AND ERADICATION OF BOVINE BRUCELLOSIS

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Brucellosis (<em>Brucella abortus</em>) is a disease that affects cattle and has a significant economic impact on the livelihood of farmers in developing countries. <strong>Objective:</strong> The research aimed to understand the dairy smallholders’ intention to participate in the national campaign to control and eradicate bovine brucellosis in Aculco, State of Mexico. <strong>Methodology:</strong> The study was conducted with 196 farmers who were already engaged in the campaign. The reasoned action approach (RAA) was used as a theoretical framework, and Spearman rank-order correlations were used to analyze the data. <strong>Results:</strong> The results showed that farmers firmly intended to participate in the campaign in the next 12 months. The intention was associated with farmers’ years of experience as milk producers and perception of the importance and usefulness of the campaign in addition to farm characteristics. Farmers’ intention was also related to positive beliefs (drivers), such as participation in the campaign, preventing the disease in the herd, enabling access to government support and subsidies, and avoiding spreading the disease to people. Other social referents such as veterinarians, farmers, and farmers’ sons also played an important role in farmers’ intentions. A couple of significant constraints were identified: the lack of financial resources, communication between farmers and personnel in charge of the campaign. <strong>Implications: </strong>The study provided insights to improve extension activities towards small-scale dairy farmers to participate in the national campaign of control and eradication of bovine brucellosis.<strong> </strong><strong>Conclusion:</strong> the three components of the RAA (attitude, perceived norms, and perceived behavioral control) were strong predictors of farmers’ intention to participate in the brucellosis eradication campaign. They enabled the factors influencing farmers’ intentions to be explored more deeply.</p>

Calf morbidity and mortality rates Associated risk factors in smallholder dairy farms in Kembata Tembaro zone, Southern Ethiopia

A study was carried out in the Kembata Tembaro Zone of Southern Ethiopia, focusing on both prospective cohort and cross-sectional surveys. The objective was to measure the rates of calf sickness and death and to pinpoint the factors that contribute to these conditions. Over 180 days, 140 newborn calves from selected small-scale dairy farms were studied. The study evaluated the prevalence of illness, mortality, and specific diseases by calculating incidence rates. Results indicated a 41.7% risk of illness and a 9.5% mortality rate among calves. Factors such as the calf's condition at birth, birth location/environment, the surface on which the calf was born, timing of the first colostrum intake, maternal parity, calf breed, and the breeding service technique significantly influenced mortality rates. Similarly, these factors were also significantly linked to the crude morbidity rate. Calves born naturally were at a lower risk of sickness (HR=0.6, p=0.001) compared to those assisted. Calves born indoors had a lower risk of sickness (HR=0.9, p=0.008) than those born outdoors. Calves that received colostrum within six hours of birth had a lower risk of sickness (HR=0.6, p=0.009) than those that received it later. Additionally, the study found that the floor of the birth place, the mother's parity, the breed of the calf, and the technique of the breeding service were additional risk factors for calf sickness. The time of the first colostrum intake, the mother's parity, and the calf's birth condition were also significant risk factors for calf death.

Mitigating antibiotic misuse in dairy farming systems and milk value chain market: Insights into practices, factors, and farmers education in Nyabihu district, Rwanda

The widespread misuse of antibiotics to combat bacterial infections in dairy farming is a global concern contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). To gain insights within small-scale dairy farming, a study was conducted in Nyabihu district of Rwanda from September 2021 to April 2023 to assess practices and factors associated with antibiotic use, investigate antibiotic residues in cow milk and undertake a comprehensive training program to improve quality milk production. A mixed-methods approach, combining cross-sectional and longitudinal intervention studies, involved 42 regular dairy farmers from both open and zero-grazing systems delivering milk to the Union pour la Promotion des Cooperatives des Eleveurs en Nyabihu (UPROCENYA) milk collection center (MCC). Standardized questionnaires and farm interviews were conducted to assess antibiotic use practices while bulk tank milk samples from the same farmers were collected and tested for antibiotic residues using rapid tests over 16 months (8 months before and 8 months after training).Out of 451 bulk tank milk samples tested, 27 samples (6%) contained antibiotic residues, primarily tetracyclines (55.3%) and beta-lactams (44.7%). Before farmers training, 5182.75 l of milk were rejected monthly due to antibiotic residues. Following training, milk rejections decreased to 3192.75 l per month, reflecting 38.35% monthly decrease. However, no statistically significant difference was found by independent t-test (t = 1.441; p = 0.173) between milk rejected before and after training. 97.6% of interviewed farmers reported using antibiotics within six months preceding data collection, with 71.4% primarily used for disease treatment, notably targeting tick-borne diseases (34.0%). Alarming practices included administering antibiotics without referring samples for laboratory examination (100%), disregarding withdrawal periods (88.1%) and administering antibiotics without a veterinary doctor's prescription (85.7%). Factors contributing to these practices included limited farmer’s knowledge on antibiotics, easy access to antibiotics in local agro-veterinary shops, and insufficient veterinary services. Antibiotic-laden milk was used to feed calves (38.6%), consumed at home (26.5%), and sold (12.0%).The observed misuse of antibiotics and disregard for antibiotic withdrawal periods pose significant threats to both milk quality and human health. The authors recommend that dairy farmers prioritize animal health monitoring, seek veterinary advice for disease prevention and treatment and implement biosecurity measures to prevent diseases and thus reduce antibiotic usage. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders are highly recommended to enhance capacity building for dairy farmers and support research initiatives. Furthermore, it is strongly suggested to strengthen regulations on the prudent use of antibiotics within the Rwandan food production system to curb antimicrobial resistance across both animal and human populations.

Assessing the impact of biosecurity practices and animal welfare in small-scale mountain dairy farming

This study estimates the association between the level of biosecurity, animal welfare, milk quality, and economic performance on 2291 mountain dairy farms which largely differs in management and structure from large dairy operations in the lowlands mainly due to climatic and topographic constraints in mountain areas. The dairy industry’s increasing emphasis on biosecurity is crucial for ensuring animal health, productivity, and disease mitigation. Therefore, in the present study the biosecurity and animal welfare status of mountain dairy farms were assessed considering the official welfare protocol for dairy cows of the Italian ClassyFarm system. Our findings reveal a suboptimal adoption of biosecurity measures, attributed to structural limitations in mountain farms and farmers’ awareness gaps. Despite these challenges, the economic significance of biosecurity adoption is evident, emphasizing potential benefits for farm viability and animal health. Conversely, the study indicates a moderate to good welfare status in assessed farms, reflecting farmers’ awareness of the importance of high welfare standards for dairy cows. Improved welfare positively correlates with milk sales and productivity, highlighting the economic advantages of prioritizing animal well-being. Challenges persist, particularly regarding animal housing deficiencies and related consumer concerns about animal welfare in dairy production. Therefore, targeted interventions and educational initiatives are crucial to empower farmers and promote best practices in biosecurity and animal welfare management. However, addressing resultant production cost increases necessitates society’s willingness to pay more for animal-based food, emphasizing the importance of aligning economic incentives with sustainable farming practices.

Exploring the impact of biosecurity measures on somatic cell score in mountain dairy farms considering the CLASSYFARM system

Biosecurity plays a crucial role in preventing the introduction of infectious diseases to a herd as well as the spread of diseases within or between animals and herds. In particular, biosecurity measures are crucial for maintaining animal health and reducing the need for the application of antibiotic substances for fighting the rising antibiotic resistance. The object of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the presence of biosecurity measures and their association with milk quality parameters, with a special focus on somatic cell count (SCC) − an indicator for udder health −, in small-scale mountain dairy farms. Therefore, for the very first time, the CLASSYFARM system was considered, which is a computer platform integrated into the Italian national veterinary portal, that processes a significant amount of data from various sources collected in the field or from other information systems (e.g. animal welfare, health status, biosecurity, antimicrobial use, slaughterhouse information). A total of 169 dairy farms were included in the study. Biosecurity measures, based on 15 questions required in the CLASSYFARM welfare assessment protocol, as well as information about husbandry systems, milking systems and pasture practices were gathered and combined with milk yield data, provided by the South Tyrolean dairy association. Farms only scored 44.00 points on average in a scoring system from 0.00 to 100.00 points that was be able to summarize 15 different biosecurity measures in one index. Our results show a clear negative correlation (−0.713) between the biosecurity index and somatic cell score (SCS) indicating that a higher level of biosecurity, which reflects the presence of biosecurity measures within a farm, is associated with lower SCC levels. Furthermore, we found significant correlations between SCS and milk production (−0.629), confirming that udder health is linked to higher milk production. Fat, protein, and the fat-to-protein ratio showed a positive correlation with SCS (0.281, 0.146, 0.106), likely to be caused by a concentration shift effect (dilution effect). Husbandry system, breed, milking system, and pasture practices seem to have an impact as well, but the main factor was the biosecurity score. This study highlights the importance of implementing biosecurity measures for ensuring animal health and thus productivity and quality in milk production, even in small-scale farms, which are characterized by limited structure availability and smaller herds compared to big dairy enterprises in the lowlands.

A framework for evaluation of sustainability index of small scale dairy farms in India

A framework for evaluation of sustainability index of small scale dairy farms in India

Dual-purpose crops productivity and small-scale dairy farmers’ food security efforts toward climate variability and change in Benin

Dual-purpose cropping (sowing crops with the intention of both grazing them during vegetative growth and harvesting grain thereafter for household consumption) is certainly a promising way to address challenges face by small-scale dairy farmers in Benin due to climate variability and change. This study evaluated the impact of climate variability and change on dual-purpose crops productivity performances and nutritional values in Benin’s climatic regions. Four dual-purpose crops were studied. They are maize fodder, sorghum fodder, peanut fodder and cowpea fodder. The grain yield across various climate regions and years were assessed. Also fodders samples were analysed according to official methods of AOAC. The results showed that dual purposes crops yield were significantly affected particularly in some years in many regions of Benin by climate parameters variation. The variation of humidity had a negative effect on cereals dual-purpose crops production in Guinean region while the impacts of temperature and rainfall on dual purpose crops were higher in Sudanian region. The model for predicting the resistance of dual-purpose crops to climate variability and change revealed that The Annual Yield of Sorghum Grain was significantly influenced by humidity (P=0.0111), Rainfall (P=0.0374) and Weather station/Region (P=0.0493), as well as by the interaction between temperature and Grain Yield per Hectare (P=0.0423). The annual quantity of maize produced varied significantly with temperature (P=0.00154), humidity, Rainfall (P=0. 00792), Weather station/ Region (P=0.00362). The Annual Yield of Cowpea Grain production varied significantly with Temperature and Humidity (0.0205). Furthermore, temperature, humidity, year and Grain Yield per Hectare significantly affected the Annual Yield of Peanut Grain Produced. Nutritional values of the four studies dual-purpose crops were assessed. The energy values were 0.60 and 0.50 UFL/kg of Dry Matter respectively for sorghum-fodder and maize-fodder, the contents of digestible nitrogenous materials (MAD) were 1 and 0 g/kg of DM respectively for sorghum-fodder and maize-fodder. If the energy values were quite good for cereals fodder, the nitrogen values were very low. This study highlighted the nutritional advantage of leguminous fodders over cereal fodders.

Organochlorine Pesticides in Dairy Cows’ Diet and the Carryover into Milk in NW Romania

Since modern agriculture relies on high volumes of chemical pesticides, monitoring the exposure to these dangerous substances in feed and the food chain is crucial. This study investigates the transfer of organochlorine pesticide (OCP) from water, soil, and feed to milk in free-range dairy cows using the carryover rates (CORs) and biotransfer factors (BTFs) from feed to milk as tools that can be used for human and animal risk assessments. BTFs can predict the transfer of OCPs into milk due to cows’ ingestion of contaminated feed. Samples were collected from ten small-scale dairy cow farms located near Baia Mare city, NW Romania, identified for distributing fresh milk in the local market. After the appropriate extraction was performed, the OCP concentrations were measured by gas chromatography equipped with an electron capture detector and randomly confirmed using mass spectrometry. The most prominent compounds in the soil, feed, and milk samples were hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites. The concentrations of OCPs were lower than the maximum admissible values in feed, water, soil, and milk. The CORs of OCPs varied over four orders of magnitudes, from 0.10% (2,4′–dichlorodiphenylchloroethylene, 2,4′–DDE) to 250% (4,4′–dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, 4,4′–DDT). Similar to CORs, the values of BTFs varied largely, from 0.0001 to 1.408. Additionally, the values higher than the unit for some BTFs could be due to the accumulation and biomagnification of these organochlorine compounds in the animal body. The cows’ dietary exposure was evaluated by the estimated daily intake (EDI), considering the three components of ingestion (feed, water, and soil), and varied in the range of 0.0008–0.3509 µg/day/body weight (bw).

Small-scale dairy farming and women’s empowerment: insights from Pabna district in Bangladesh

This study focusedon the effects of ruralwomen'sinvolvementindairyfarmingasameansoferadicatingpoverty inBangladesh'sruralcommunities for the empowerment of women in some selected areas of the Pabna district of Bangladesh. Dairy farming is a critical component of the agricultural sector and women's participation in the sector has increased in recent years. To illustrate the effect of rural women in social empowerment, the sample was chosen from the households of thePabna district that were actively involved in dairy farming. 50 households from the study were randomly selectedfor data collection. To illustrate the frequency distribution at various category levels of variables, straightforward percentages were produced. Rural women were able to boost their self-esteem, expandtheirsocialnetworks,andeventuallyincreasetheirlevelofempowermentthrough small-scale dairying, which also gave them more control over their family and personal care decisions. Another purpose of the study was to investigate the causes of this trend as well as the advantages that women experience from it. Using a combination of field surveys, interviews, and literature review, the study analyzed the gender dynamics of dairy farming and identified best practices for promoting women's empowerment in the sector. The findings suggest that dairy farming can serve as a viable livelihood option for women in Pabna, providing them with opportunities for income generation and improving household food security. Furthermore, increased participation in dairy farming has led to improved gender equality and social inclusion, highlightingthe sector's potential for promoting women's empowerment in the region. Consequently, the expansion of small-scale dairying into different rural areas of Bangladesh is likely to contribute to the empowerment of these women and combat poverty.

Contributions of dairy cooperatives to the competitiveness of smallholder dairy farmers in Palabana area of Chongwe District

This study investigates the influence of dairy cooperatives on the competitiveness of small-scale dairy farmers in Palabana, Chongwe district, Zambia. The focus is on several crucial aspects: increasing milk production, enhancing productivity, improving quality, and boosting market share through cooperative membership. Data was collected from 73 randomly selected cooperative members through semi-structured questionnaires using a convergent parallel mixed-method technique. The quantitative data was examined using descriptive statistics and presented visually, while the qualitative data added contextual richness to these conclusions. The findings revealed a significant rise in milk production among members of the cooperative, even though there was a lack of direct provision of nutritional inputs. This implies that additional elements, such as training and the exchange of knowledge, played a key role in these gains. Furthermore, there was widespread mention of training sessions covering a range of dairy management subjects, which highlights the cooperative's efforts to improve farmers' abilities and increase output. Cooperatives played a crucial role in enhancing the quality of milk by offering valuable advice on managing milk quality, specifically in preventing and treating mastitis. Furthermore, farmers saw enhanced market dominance and financial gains as a result of their participation in cooperatives, which was made possible by greater opportunities to access larger markets and engage in joint sales initiatives. This study finds that cooperatives play a significant role in improving the competitiveness of smallholder dairy farmers by increasing yields, productivity, and market access. However, providing more comprehensive support in areas like animal health, input provision, and continuous training could further enhance these benefits. To maintain sustainable growth and competitiveness in the dairy sector, it is important to emphasize the necessity of ongoing improvement in cooperative initiatives.

Potential Benefits of Crowd-Collaborative Farming in Sustaining Small Scale Dairy Farming Business Performance

The importance of small scale agricultural sustainability is gradually declining in low and middle income economies due to the assortment of changes in agriculture and the environment. Moreover, the high withdrawal of small scale farmers from the market disrupts the direct relationships between producers and consumers, and also puts at risk food security, primarily on the local and regional scale. This paper focuses on optimizing farming activities of the small scale dairy farmers (SSDFs) through crowdsourcing and synergy (CSS) platforms. The methodology for this paper is anchored on the construction of resolve using logic and rationality. This paper points that agricultural outputs are more valuable when delivered by teams because of positive synergies. Moreover, agricultural activities could be optimized through collaborative farming and community supported agriculture as CSS platforms known as crowd-collaborative farming (CCF). CCF could effect increased benefits due to suitability of the crafted member composition, yielding improved local market performance in many settings. Moreover, research on CCF as a tool to develop efficient mechanisms for revenue distribution among the collaborators is necessary. The study further recommends that SSDFs should be trained towards CCF to enhance their production output, especially those experiencing high failures and less returns due to debt erosion. SSDFs they should keep in sync with the consumers.

Clinical and Molecular Detections of Lumpy Skin Disease: Possibilities of Co-infection with Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) and foot and mouth disease (FMD) are notable viral diseases of cattle. This report aimed to highlight the possibilities of an uncommon case of LSD and FMD co-infection. The report also presents the clinical and molecular detection of LSD virus in six crossbred calves and LSD and FMD virus co-infection in a heifer at small-scale dairy farms located in northern Ethiopia. Nasal swabs and tissue samples were collected following aseptic techniques from the six calves suspected of having LSD and a tissue sample from one heifer suspected of having LSD-FMD co-infection and submitted to the laboratory for cell culture and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Different-sized, firm, painful skin nodules with necrotic centers were seen on different parts of the calves’ body. Swelling of the prescapular and prefemoral lymph nodes, conjunctivitis, and corneal cloudiness were also observed. Uniquely, one heifer was seen with erosive lesions in the oral cavity and tongue, salivation, lameness, and skin nodules. Intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies, a distinctive feature of LSD virus, and the formation of syncytia, a characteristic of FMD virus, were observed in the cell lines. The heifer was diagnosed with a rare co-infection of LSDV and FMDV based on clinical signs, cell culture, and real-time PCR test results. The other six calves were diagnosed with the LSD virus. Treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, local wound cleansing, and anti-inflammatory drugs was initiated. Unfortunately, the heifer with LSD-FMD co-infection died while under treatment, and just three calves with LSD were recovered. It can be concluded that vaccination of animals against both diseases and promotion of bio-security protocols in farms is more helpful than treatment, and early case reporting is also warranted to avoid losses related to the diseases.

Lean Six Sigma Tools for Efficient Milking Processes in Small-Scale Dairy Farms

This research paper aims to use lean six sigma tools to handle milk in small Brazilian dairy estates. The search for efficiency in this process preponderates in all productive sectors. However, it is still not exploited in the dairy chain, specifically by small-scale producers, although milking is the main income for many of them. In Brazil, small producers are the main suppliers of the chain, and maintaining their competitiveness requires specific actions. Therefore, through the action-research method, four small producers in the center-west of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, were involved in identifying problems in their milking management process, investigating and implementing practical solutions. To this effect, lean tools such as flowcharts, Ishikawa diagrams, value stream mapping, and PDCA cycles were employed, and six feasible improvements were defined. The successful implementation of said improvements led to the acquisition of knowledge by small producers, who received financial returns, i.e., an increase in the amount paid per liter of milk. This research shows that, through interdisciplinarity, positive solutions to problems of different and complex natures, such as those in the dairy chain, can be obtained.

Multi-criteria decision analysis for supporting the selection of subclinical mastitis screening tests to use in large- and small-scale dairy farms in Türkiye.

The production of high-quality and safe milk is closely associated with the udder health of dairy cows. While there are many mastitis diagnostic tests/methods available, choosing the most appropriate diagnostic test for a sustainable udder health control program could be a challenge. This study was aimed at selecting tests for the screening of subclinical mastitis on small- and large-scale dairy farms in Türkiye, using multi-criteria decision-making methods. An integrated approach employing the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) together was used to select subclinical mastitis screening tests for on-farm use. While the AHP determines the weights of the evaluation criteria, the TOPSIS provides a final ranking. Nine different subclinical mastitis screening (SCM) methods (DeLaval somatic cell counter, PortaSCC test, California mastitis test (CMT), rapid culture, portable/hand-held electrical conductivity meter, infrared thermography, leukocyte esterase strip test, milk pH, UdderCheck test) were analyzed on the basis of five selection criteria (the market availability of the test, the diagnostic accuracy of the test, the cost of the test, the cow-side use of the test, and the practicality of the test). The selection criteria were determined based on literature review and stakeholder input. The weighting of the criteria with the AHP was based on the pairwise comparison of the criteria by stakeholders. The criteria were weighted from 1 to 9 according to their relative importance as follows: "1: equally important," "3: moderately important," "5: strongly important," "7: very strongly important," "9: extremely important," and "2, 4, 6, 8: intermediate values." Final ranking of SCM tests with the TOPSIS was based on the stakeholder evaluations of fulfillment of the criteria by the alternatives. The most appropriate screening test for both large- and small-scale dairy farms was determined to be the CMT. The CMT is a very useful, easy to perform, and low-cost tool for detecting subclinical mastitis. Being a major element of udder health control programs, the CMT, if regularly used on dairy farms in Türkiye, would enable the culling of chronically infected animals and the reduction of mastitis-associated economic losses. Furthermore, regular CMTs would contribute to reducing milk SCC and improving milk quality. In conclusion, multi-criteria decision-making methods not only provide a systematic approach that may assist both veterinarians and farmers in deciding on the best choice among the different tests available for the screening of subclinical mastitis but also offer potential benefits to policymakers, researchers, and other industry stakeholders.

Financial Performance and Labour Involvement of Small-Scale Dairy Farmers: A Case Study at the SAE Pujon Dairy Cooperative

In Indonesia, small-scale dairy cattle farming dominates, constituting 80% of the industry, with economic pursuits secondary to subsistence needs. Challenges include limited green fodder, declining farmers, low milk quality, diseases, and inadequate infrastructure. Despite these issues, dairy farming persists, particularly in East Java's Malang Regency, a major contributor to national dairy cattle population and milk production. The significance of Pujon Sub-District comes to the forefront, housing the Sinau Andandani Ekonomi (SAE) Pujon Cooperative established in 1975. This cooperative plays a pivotal role in supporting small-scale farmers in Pujon, actively addressing challenges through collaborative efforts. This cooperative facilitates small-scale farmers in Pujon, addressing challenges through collective efforts. In such systems, family labor, including women and children, is integral due to limited availability. The study aims to analyse the income of dairy cattle farmers and their labour allocation as the members of SAE Pujon Cooperative, Pujon District, Regency of Malang. The data of the farm management parameters were collected through a survey at the study area. The results indicate that the average income of the farmers is IDR 4,306,798 per month. Regarding labour allocations, wives work to household affairs and husbands focus more on farming activities. The research concludes that the income of dairy farmers and their labour allocation are related to the farm scale.

Exploring the heights: Impact of altitude on dairy milk composition

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of altitude on the quality of milk from dairy cows housed in small-scale farms in alpine areas. Therefore, a dataset comprising 5,680 bulk milk samples from 32 farms located at different geographical altitudes was considered. Milk traits such as fat, protein, lactose, free fatty acids, casein, milk urea nitrogen content, pH value, and somatic cell score were examined in the laboratories of the South Tyrolean Dairy Association using mid-infrared spectroscopy. The data were analyzed using a statistical model that considered altitude category, grazing practice, housing system, and season of milk analysis as fixed effects. The findings revealed a positive association between altitude and milk fat, free fatty acids, and somatic cell count. Conversely, lactose content, milk urea nitrogen, and pH value in milk from cows kept on farms at higher altitude (>1,200 m above sea level) showed a negative relationship with altitude. Farms located at altitudes above 1,200 m exhibited higher fat, protein, urea, and somatic cell content than farms located at lower levels. The results provide new insights into a production effect that has so far received little attention and should be considered in farm management (e.g., feeding management, breed decision) to ensure animal health and the associated animal welfare as well as the productivity of dairy cows reared in traditional small-scale mountain dairy farms.

Exploring the data divide through a social practice lens: A qualitative study of UK cattle farmers.

Appropriate management decisions are key for sustainable and profitable beef and dairy farming. Data-driven technologies aim to provide information which can improve farmers' decision-making practices. However, data-driven technologies have resulted in the emergence of a "data divide", in which there is a gap between the generation and use of data. Our study aims to further understand the data divide by drawing on social practice theory to recognise the emergence, linkages, and reproduction of youngstock data practices on cattle farms in the UK. Eight focus groups with fifteen beef and nineteen dairy farmers were completed. The topics of discussion included data use, technology use, disease management in youngstock, and future goals for their farm. The transcribed data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis with a social practice lens. Social practice theory uses practices as the unit of analysis, rather than focusing on individual behaviours. Practices are formed of three elements: meaning (e.g., beliefs), materials (e.g., objects), and competencies (e.g., skills) and are connected in time and space. We conceptualised the data divide as a disconnection of data collection practices and data use and interpretation practices. Consequently, we were able to generate five themes that represent these breaks in connection.Our findings suggest that a data divide exists because of meanings that de-stabilise practices, tensions in farmers' competencies to perform practices, spatial and temporal disconnects, and lack of forms of feedback on data practices. The data preparation practice, where farmers had to merge different data sources or type up handwritten data, had negative meanings attached to it and was therefore sometimes not performed. Farmers tended to associate data and technology practices with larger dairy farms, which could restrict beef and small-scale dairy farms from performing these practices. Some farmers suggested that they lacked the skills to use technologies and struggled to transform their data into meaningful outputs. Data preparation and data use and interpretation practices were often tied to an office space because of the required infrastructure, but farmers preferred to spend time outdoors and with their animals. There appeared to be no normalisation of what data should be collected or what data should be analysed, which made it difficult for farmers to benchmark their progress. Some farmers did not have access to discussion groups or veterinarians who were interested in data and therefore could not get feedback on their data practices.These results suggest that the data divide exists because of three types of disconnect: a disconnect between elements within a practice because of tensions in competencies or negative meanings to perform a practice; a disconnect between practices because of temporal or spatial differences; and a break in the reproduction of practices because of lack of feedback on their practices. Data use on farms can be improved through transformation of practices by ensuring farmers have input in the design of technologies so that they align with their values and competencies.

Isolation, identification and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Salmonella, E. coli, and S. aureus from selected dairy farms in Bedele and Nekemte Districts, Western Ethiopia

Background: Bacterial diseases transmitted through food pose a serious threat to human and animal health. Salmonella, E. coli, and S. aureus are among the major foodborne pathogens. It is becoming a worldwide problem to date. In this regard, there is a lack of information among farms in western Ethiopia. Therefore, the study was conducted to isolate, identify, and assess the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Salmonella, E. coli, and S. aureus from selected dairy farms in the study area. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done from December 2018 to June 2019 on small-scale dairy farms from Bedele and Nekemte town, Western Ethiopia with the objective of isolating and identifying Salmonella, E. coli, and S. aureus from lactating cows, milkers’ and milking equipment at farms and to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. A total of 383 samples consisting of cow milk, feces, cow nasal swabs, milkers’ hand swabs, milkers nasal swabs, bucket swabs, and floor swabs were collected from 20 dairy farms. The samples were examined for the presence of Salmonella, E. coli, and S. aureus following standard techniques and procedures. The agar disc diffusion method was used for the antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results: The overall occurrence of Salmonella, E. coli, and S. aureus was 2.35%, 11.75%, and 2.35% respectively. Out of the 9 Salmonella isolates, 5(4.95%), 3(2.97%), and 1(5%) were isolated from udder milk, rectal feces, and floor swab respectively. S. aureus isolate was highest in udder milk 3(2.97%), followed by cow nasal swab 2(1.98%), feces 1(0.99%), bucket swab 1(5%), floor swab 1(5%) and milker’s nasal swab 1(5%). E. coli was highest in milk sample 19(18.81%), followed by fecal samples 16(15.84%), bucket swab 5(25%), floor Swab 4(20%) and 1(0.99%) in cow nasal swab. All Salmonella isolates were 100% sensitive to nalidixic acid, however 55.55%, 22.22%, and 11.11, respectively, were resistant to cefoxitin, tetracycline, and gentamycin. Tetracycline, cefoxitin, and streptomycin resistance were observed in 33.33%, 9.52%, and 19.05% of E. coli isolates, respectively. On the other hand, all isolates were 100% sensitive to nitrofurantoin, ceftriaxone, nalidixic acid, and ciprofloxacin. The antibiotic susceptibility profiles of S. aureus showed that 55.55% and 11.11% were resistant to Penicillin G and Erythromycin, respectively and all isolates were 100% sensitive to cefoxitin, nitrofurantoin, and gentamicin. Conclusion: The current study shows lower prevalence, lower antimicrobial resistance, and higher susceptibility for most antimicrobials. Recommendation: Stringent control measures, such as treatment of positive cases with effective medications and preventative measures including strict hygiene standards, such as cleaning of the floor, pens, and milking equipment, as well as adequate hand washing throughout the milking process, should be adopted.

First evaluation of the practicability of the CLASSYFARM welfare assessment protocol in Italian small-scale mountain dairy farms - a case study

The challenges facing the health sector and the agri-food industry have become increasingly complex over the years. Animal welfare, drug consumption, the use of the slaughterhouse as an epidemiological observatory and biosecurity, as well as the health risks associated with it, are increasingly interconnected, making an integrated approach necessary. Hence the European Commission developed regulations to ensure a certain standard for animal welfare in livestock husbandry, which led the Animal Health and Veterinary Drugs Directorate of the Italian Ministry of Health to design an integrated system called Classyfarm, aimed at categorising farming according to risk. The aim of our study was to consider the protocol of the Classyfarm system for evaluating the present situation in South Tyrolean dairy farming (1) and discuss the practical implementation of this new system in small-scale mountain dairy farming (2) which largely differs from large dairy enterprises in the lowlands. The results provide important insights about farm structure and management. However, in terms of animal welfare the questionnaire of Classyfarm is not able to properly differentiate and therefore results need to be considered with caution. Similarly, the section about biosafety is hardly applicable for small-scale mountain farms due to limited herd size and building capacity. Therefore, authors underline the necessity of developing a further differentiated questionnaire for the Classyfarm system, which considers the peculiarities of small-scale mountain dairy farming and allow proper conclusions regarding sanitary risk for public health unless the long-term aim is that such structure will stop producing which will have significant effects on many other sectors in the region, e.g. tourism.

EVALUACIÓN DE LA IMPLEMENTACIÓN DE ECO-INNOVACIONES EN SISTEMAS DE PRODUCCIÓN DE LECHE EN PEQUEÑA ESCALA

<p><strong>Background.</strong> Eco-innovation (EI) involves new goods and services that reduce negative environmental impacts. In small-scale dairy systems (SCDS) the adoption of innovations is low, this has been associated with the lack of extension services, so its evaluation is needed to improve the services. <strong>Objective.</strong> To identify and to evaluate the implementation process of four EI in SCDS. <strong>Methodology.</strong> The research was conducted in the Municipality of Aculco, State of Mexico. Twenty-one small-scale dairy farmers with a maximum herd size of 35 cows were selected. A questionnaire was applied to collect information about the concept of EI, time of use, diffusion and acquisition, changes for implementation, limitations and motivations, disuse and suggestions. The information was analyzed by frequencies and percentages. Four groups were formed according to the type of EI (bio-digester, solar heater, water collection, and solar cells), and the implementation process of each one was described. The evaluation of three technology phases (communication, transfer and adoption) and their stages was proposed using a five-point Likert scale for each EI. Differences between groups were analyzed using a Kruskal-Wallis test (<em>P</em><0.05). <strong>Results.</strong> None of the farmers knew the term <em>eco-innovation</em>, 67% found out about the EI implemented by acquaintances, 76% required financial support, 86% were motivated by economic savings, and 62% mentioned ignorance as the main limitation. The implementation process was different for all four EI, and there were significant differences in their dissemination, information, accessibility, training, appropriation, and recommendation. <strong>Implications.</strong> The evaluation proposal to implement EI can be applied to several technologies and contexts because it considers common stages, although each innovation has its own process. <strong>Conclusions.</strong> It is concluded that the knowledge of the EI implementation process and the perception of it allows to identify improvements for the adoption of useful innovations in the SCDS.</p>