Small-scale Dairy Research Articles

Microbial and Chemical Adulterants Assessment of Raw Cow Milk Collected from Dairy Farms of Hlabisa Villages, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Background: Milk is one of the most nutritious foods providing a variety of proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins needed to maintain, grow, and develop the body. The aim of this study was to assess microbial and chemical adulterants of raw cow milk collected from dairy farms of Hlabisa villages, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Methods: A total of 68 raw cow milk samples were obtained from teats sampling points, milking buckets, and communal pooling buckets. The bacteriological analysis was conducted for the detection of various bacteria in milk samples. Biochemical tests were also done to detect some chemical adulterants in milk samples. Results: Total bacterial count of teats, milking buckets, and communal milk pooling buckets were 6.91, 6.06, and 6.06 log Colony Forming Unit (CFU)/ml, respectively. The most found chemical adulterant was urea detected in 23 out of 68 (33.8%) samples, followed by hydrogen peroxide showed in 22 out of 68 (32.3%) samples. However, none of the samples were contaminated with formalin, starch, and neutralizer. Conclusion: The present study revealed high microbial contamination of raw cow milk produced by rural small-scale dairy farmers of Hlabisa villages, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, indicating the lack of standard operating sanitation. It was also stated that raw milk samples contained various types of chemical adulterants that may lead to severe health problems. Good hygiene practices must be adopted by small-scale dairy farmers at every stage of their milk handling and processing.

Women’s empowerment through small-scale dairy farming in Bangladesh: a study on some selected areas of Mymensingh district

The study was designed to explore the women’s empowerment through small-scale dairy farming in Bangladesh. Small-scale dairy farm owners constituted the population of the present study. Among the population, the households who were actively engaged in dairy farming activities more than one year in the selected area of Mymensingh district, they were considered as the sample unit. For data collection, 50 households from the sample unit were randomly selected for interview. Simple percentages were calculated to show the frequency distribution at different categories of variables. Through small-scale dairy farming, rural women were able to increase their confidence and decision-making power with regard to their household and personal care and experienced increased self-esteem, expansion of their social circles, and ultimately enhanced empowerment through the breakdown of traditional socio-cultural norms. Thus, the expansion of small-scale dairy farming in other rural areas of Bangladesh is likely to contribute to the empowerment of more rural women.
 Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2019, 3(2), 85-95

Productive and economic response to concentrate supplementation by grazing dairy cows at high stocking

Small-scale dairy systems contribute to ameliorate rural poverty and to local milk supply. Their sustainability is limited by high feeding costs, mainly from purchased concentrates (CC); whereas a higher reliance on quality forage may improve profitability; but high stocking rates may justify high CC use. The objective of this work was to assess the productive and economic response by grazing dairy cows to levels of CC under grazing of ryegrass–white clover pastures under high stocking rate (4 cows/ha). Six Holstein milking cows were replicated assigned 3 X 3 Latin Square arrangements. Daily milk yield and composition were recorded, and feed intake estimated from utilised metabolizable energy. Treatments were: T1= 1.0 kg T6= 3.0 kg and T6= 6.0 kg concentrate/cow/d. There were significant differences (P<0.05) for milk yield, with T6 having higher yields than T1 and T3. There were no significant differences in milk protein or fat content among treatments (P>0.05). Herbage intake was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T6, with no differences (P>0.05) between T1 and T3. There were no differences in margins over feeding costs, but feeding cost per kg of milk was 2.2 times higher in T6 compared to T1, and margin per kilo of milk was 26 % higher in T1 than T6. Although milk yields are higher with T6, T1 and T3 require less expenditures and margins are similar. Supplementation may alleviate high grazing pressure that deteriorates pastures, ensuring the long-term sustainability of small-scale dairy farming systems.

Policy measures to preserve Norwegian coastal and fjord landscapes in small-scale farming systems

The open landscapes produced over centuries by small-scale farming in Norwegian coastal and fjord areas are threatened by agricultural abandonment, raising public concern for maintenance of the species-rich and valuable coastal grasslands. Semi-natural grasslands, traditionally grazed in the spring and fall and mown in summer, are most affected. Two linear programming models, one for small-scale sheep and one for small-scale mixed dairy and meat farms, both described in a separate method article, were developed. In the models is studied effects on production, grazing and land utilization, of altering government financial support among leys on arable land, enclosed farm pasture, grazing animals, and altering the (regulated) prices farmers pay for concentrate feed at the farm level. Sheep grazing can be expanded by intensification through increased fertilization and purchase of concentrate feed. Raising steers instead of bulls on dairy and beef farms with a milk quota would result in more mixed grazing by both sheep and steers, which is advantageous for the landscape. Steers are currently quite rare in Norway and their numbers can be increased with more subsidies for grazing, (Grazing Support (GS)) or by increasing the Regional Environmental Support (RES), a policy instrument targeting local projects for more grazing in specific areas. The current Agriculture and Cultural Landscape (ACL) subsidy payment places a higher value on arable land compared to the more biodiverse farm pastures, resulting in weaker incentives for keeping farm pasture in production. Raising the rate for farm pasture relative to that of arable land in the ACL scheme would result in stronger incentives for keeping such farm pasture in production, and likely increase biodiversity and landscape values. Increased GS for sheep might lead to more purchase of concentrate to keep more animals through the winter and eventually needs to be counteracted with higher prices for concentrated feedstuffs.

Economic assessment of small-scale mountain dairy farms in South Tyrol depending on feed intake and breed

Dairy mountain farms are economically disadvantaged due to small farm size and high production costs. However, these farms are of importance for the preservation of traditional landscapes and biodiversity, especially when they are managed extensively. The present study compares the economic situation of mountain dairy farms in South Tyrol that differ with respect to the amount of concentrates fed (low-input vs. high-input) and the breed used (Tyrolean Grey vs. Brown Swiss). The calculations show that low-input farms have lower variable costs but similar fixed costs and lower revenues compared to high-input farms. As a result, high-input farms are economically superior to low-input farms in terms of income per farm, per ha and per kg energy-corrected milk. Regarding the breeds, farms using the local breed Tyrolean Grey can compete with farms using the high-yielding breed Brown Swiss when subsidies are considered because of special payments for an endangered breed. The dominance of high-input farms can be explained with economies of scale and the milk to feed price ratio of about 1.8. Thus, the currently paid high milk price makes it economically worthwhile to produce as much milk as possible. The results thus point to the risk of intensification or abandonment of small mountain farms. In order to improve their economic situation and thus maintain small and low-input mountain dairy farms, it might be an option to connect subsidies with the feeding strategy and farm structure, pay premiums for value-added milk products or use taxes for concentrated feed to support extensive farms. Highlights Low-input farms achieve lower farm income Only small differences in farm income between breeds Herd size and milk yield per cow are decisive for farm income

Characterization of small-scale dairy farms and its relation to water use efficiency in the Mexicali Valley, Mexico.

A survey was completed to determine water use by small-scale dairy farms in Mexicali Valley of Mexico and to associate it with dairy production parameters. Mexicali Valley surrounds the capital city of the state Baja California, Mexicali. Sixty-one smallholders were interviewed in person in this rural area of northwestern Mexico. On average, small dairy holders had more than 20 years of experience and were ~ 55 years of age; people working on their farms are especially relatives. A low percentage was literate (20%), and they belong to a local dairy association. Milk yield/cow/year does not reach 4000 kg of milk and 75% of producers do not follow a defined management program for their cattle. Hand-milking is still practiced by 27% of the producers, and there is a general lack of infrastructure to maintain milk in a refrigerated state so that there is a very high risk of zoonotic diseases. Water use efficiency (WUE) was linearly correlated (P < 0.05) with total irrigated area, but not with animal production parameters. Regression equations constructed to explain WUE exhibited low adjustment, and WUE was not associated (P > 0.05) with milk yield. Small dairy producers in Mexicali Valley are in a generally poor situation with low water use practices; however, required more government support to increase their benefits from this livestock activity.

Factors Affecting Dairy Producers’ Participation in Dairy Processing and the Level of Participation in Bishoftu Town, East Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia

There are potentials for dairy production and processing in Ethiopia. However, producers are dominated by small scale dairy producers who sold fresh than processing to its products in Bishoftu town. Dairy producer’s participation in dairy processing was analyzed by objectives of factors affecting producers’ participation in dairy processing and level of processing. Data were collected through Censuses of 141 dairy producers and it was conducted by dividing them into three different scale farm producers. Accordingly producers who have 1-5 dairy cows were categorized as small scale producers, 6-10 medium scale producers and &gt;11 dairy cows were taken as large scale dairy farms. Based on this classification there were 100, 34, and 7 small, medium and large scale dairy respectively in the town. Among these producers 25 small scale, all 34 medium scale and 6 large scale dairy producers were processors. It was assumed that all large scale were processors, but one producer was found to be non-processor and was omitted from census survey. So, the survey was conducted with 140 dairy producers in the town. Data were analyzed using econometric models, Heckman two stages. The result of the first stage probit model indicated that number of adults negatively affects producers’ participation in dairy processing; whereas total dairy output per cow and training affect positively and significantly. In Heckman second stage model, the number of adults in the household negatively affects the level of processing while total dairy output per cow, land holding, access to dairy processing equipment and dairy related training in dairy processing affect positively and significantly. Therefore, producers’ socioeconomic factors and institutional factors needed to be strengthened by supportive activities like training for capacity building of producers. Keywords: Dairy, processing, Censuses, Bishoftu, probit DOI : 10.7176/JRDM/61-02 Publication date: November 30 th 2019

Body Condition Score and Milk Production on Conception Rate of Cows under a Small-Scale Dairy System

Simple SummarySmall-scale dairy farms are important because they generate jobs in rural areas and improve food security, income, and livelihood worldwide. On the other hand, high fertility is strongly associated with the profitability of dairy farms. Therefore, improving reproductive performance would increase milk production and farmers’ incomes. In the present study, we focus on the effect of body condition score (BCS) of Holstein cows at calving and when they are bred for the first time (after calving) on a key reproductive performance indicator: conception rate to first service. Additionally, we studied the association between BCS at calving and milk production, assuming that cows had a moderate genetic potential for milk production. Our results highlight the importance of BCS on the future reproductive performance and productivity of cows in a small-scale dairy system. These results are useful to implement management strategies in order to increase conception rate to first service and milk production in this type of dairy farm.Management and production characteristics impact conception rate to first service (CR1S) in small-scale dairy farms, but the impact of body condition score (BCS) and milk production levels on cows’ fertility is unknown. Our objective is to determine the effect of BCS and milk production on CR1S in small-scale dairy farms of western Mexico. Logistic regression models are used to determine the effect of BCS (at calving and first service), 60-d and 305-d milk production, protein and fat production, lactation number, and days at first service on CR1S. BCS at calving does not affect CR1S in cows with three or more lactations (39.5%; p > 0.1). However, first-lactation cows with BCS < 3.0 at calving and second lactation cows with BCS ≤ 2.5 at calving have higher CR1S (63.2 and 67.9%, respectively; p < 0.1). This result is perhaps due to reduced milk production, which leads to lower metabolic stress. BCS ≤ 2.5 at calving is associated (p < 0.05) with a reduced milk yield, explaining partially the observed higher CR1S in these groups. Cows with BCS ≤ 2.5 at first service in the higher quartile of 60-d milk production (≥ 28kg/day) show lower CR1S (23.9 and 51.1%, respectively; p < 0.01). In conclusion, BCS at calving and at first service, 60-d milk production, and lactation number are factors associated with CR1S.

Reproductive and Productive Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cows (Zebu × HF) Under Small and Medium Scale Dairy Farmers Management System in Amanuel Town, Ethiopia

Evaluations of the productive and reproductive performances of crossbred dairy cows were carried out in Amanuel town Ethiopia under small scale and medium scale dairy farms. To collect data from 102 (60 small and 42 medium) dairy scale farms, a cross- sectional study were employed via structured questionnaires. To assess the reproductive performance of the dairy cows, age at first services (AFS), age at first calving (AFC), days open (DO), calving interval (CI), number of service per conception (NSPC) were utilized as an indicator traits. In addition, lactation milk yield (LMY) and lactation length (LL) were considered as an indicator of the productive performance traits. To study the variation on the measured traits the collected data were analyzed using SPSS Version 20. As reported by the respondents, the overall mean value of AFS, AFC, DO, CI and NSC were 16.46 ± 0.35 months, 25.43 ± 0.36 months, 81.62 ± 0.26 days, 12.95 ± 0.20 months and 1.81 ± 0.048, respectively and their LL and LMY were 7.49 ± 0.13 months, 1685.95 ± 8.50 litres, respectively. There was significant difference (p&lt;0.1) between small and medium scale dairy farm in AFS and LMY. Managemental differences (shortage of feed, inadequate health care, weak AI service, poor market linkage) are the major limitations for low productivity of both small and medium scale dairy farms in the sample area. Keywords: Crossbred, Reproductive and productive traits, Small and medium scale dairy farms DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-19-07 Publication date :October 31 st 2019

The Analysis of Poverty Trap on Smallholder Dairy Farms in Pangalengan Area

Dairy farming is dominated by smallholder producers in Pangalengan area. The characteristics of poverty trap are lack of capital, low productivity, low income, low savings and investment. Therefore, the purposes of this research were: 1) to find out the ability of smallholder farmers to increase the family income; 2) to analyze which factors influence on the existence of keeping dairy cows in small scale; and 3) to know the efforts of smallholder producers release from poverty trap. The research method used a survey method with quantitative and qualitative approaches. Number of respondents that chosen in study location were 100 respondents. The ordinary least square (OLS) is used to analyze the factors that affect the keeping dairy cows in small scale. The results showed that: 1) small scale dairy farms (one to three heads) have not been able to meet the needs of family life; 2) factors that influenced on the ownership of dairy cows in small scale those are cows asset, dairy farming income, cow productivity, and non-formal education; 3) the efforts of smallholder farmers to quit from poverty trap must increase number of cows, productivity, earnings, and improve non-formal education in the form of training and guidance.

Cow Milk versus Plant-Based Milk Substitutes: A Comparison of Product Image and Motivational Structure of Consumption

Cow milk is under increased scrutiny due to its environmental impact and ethical considerations concerning animal welfare. At the same time, a rising share of consumers is switching to plant-based milk substitutes (abbreviated “plant milk”). The objective of this study was (1) to analyze the product image of plant milk and cow milk and (2) to compare the motivational structure behind the consumption of both product categories. For this purpose, a quantitative survey with Austrian consumers was carried out to analyze the product image of plant milk in comparison to cow milk (n = 1001). The product image analysis revealed that the product image of cow milk is still much better than that of plant milk. Amongst others, cow milk is considered to be healthier, more natural, and better for bones. Product image valuation was dependent on the (non-)consumption of plant milk. Plant milk consumers evaluated plant milk significantly better; they considered plant milk to be much better digestible and allergy-free. The qualitative study using means-end-chain analysis, with two sub-samples of interviewees (plant milk consumers, n = 30, and cow milk consumers, n = 30), identified different motives for the consumption of cow milk and plant milk. Motives that were only reported from cow milk consumers are the origin of milk and the support of small-scale dairy production of farmers. Motives of plant milk consumers were much more diverse and included animal welfare and sustainability aspects.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Cow Mastitis among Small Scale Farmers and Dairy Farms in Western Tigray, Northwest Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was carried out from November 2017 to June 2018 to assess awareness status and management practice common among dairy cows owners and to determine the prevalence of bovine mastitis and its associated risk factors in four districts and nine kebelles of Western Zone of Tigray Regional State, North West Ethiopia. In this study, out of the 355 dairy cows and 1314 functional quarters examined, 99(27.89%) cows and 142(10.81%) quarters were found positive for sub-clinical mastitis on California Mastitis Test (CMT). In addition, from the 355 dairy cows and 1420 quarters examined, 88(24.79%) and 108(7.61%) cows and teats respectively, were found to be blind. From the total risk factors considered, statistically significant association (P&lt;0.05) was found in different breed, udder type and parity. Semi structured questionnaires surveys were distributed to 87(95.60%) males and 4(4.40%) females. According to the survey result, 76(83.52%) of the dairy cow owners housed their cows in open area with muddy or soily floor type. From the total 91 interviewed 32(35.16%) regularly dispose dung and cleaning of house. During the survey, udder management before and after milking was assessed. According to the response of 89(97.80%) milkers washed their hands prior to milking and 2(2.20%) did not. From the total 91interviewed individuals, 13(14.29%) milkers disinfect their hands before proceeding to milk the next cow while 78(85.71%) did not. During the survey, sequence of milking cows was assessed. Based on the response of respondents, 85(93.41%) of the milker did not follow sequence of milking and the rest 6(6.59%) milkers emphasized the need to follow the order of milking. The result of the present study indicated a relatively high prevalence of subclinical mastitis and with higher incidence of one or more nonfunctional teat which impose higher economic loss to the dairy owners. Lack of strategic control measures and improper attention to the health of the mammary glands contribute the higher infestation rate. Better management practices in milking and adequate housing with proper sanitation should be provided.

Influence of Microfinance Institution Technical Systems on the Performance of Dairy Farmers in Kakamega County, Kenya

Objective of the study sought to investigate the influence of MFI technical systems on the performance of dairy farmers in Kakamega County. The aim of this objective was to find out how MFI technical systems have impacted on dairy farming performance in Kakamega County. Therefore, it was hypothesized that there is no significant relationship between the MFI technical systems and performance of dairy farmers in Kakamega County. MFI technical systems were measured by training, workshops, seminars which offer technical systems on marketing, breeding technologies, marketing, livestock health technologies and milk production technologies.This study adopted exploratory research design. The target population in this study consist of small scale dairy farmers deriving their capital from 17 micro-finance institutions.Descriptive and inferential statistics was used for the purpose of data analysis. To test the research hypotheses, Pearson correlation and regression was used to measure the general relationship between dependent and independent variables at significance level of 0.05. The findings were presented using tables, models and charts. The findings revealed that Micro Finance Institutions systems have significant contribution to the performance of dairy farmers in Kakamega. Microfinance technical systems played significant role in the dairy farming performance as it enhances quality and quantity of dairy products through upscale of production technologies. Keywords: Microfinance institution, Technical systems, Performance, Dairy Farmers DOI : 10.7176/RJFA/10-18-19 Publication date :September 30 th 2019

Factors influencing economic efficiency of milk production among small-scale dairy farms in Mukurweini, Nyeri County, Kenya.

This paper highlights the factors likely to influence the economic efficiency of small-scale dairy farms in Mukurweini, Nyeri County, Kenya. A total of 91 small-scale dairy farms previously involved in a nutritional training in 2013 were administered with semi-structured questionnaires. Data collected were entered into SPSS and FRONTIER 4.1 was used to compute the technical, allocative and economic efficiency scores for each farm. The scores were then regressed against a set of variables using the Tobit model in STATA to determine the factors associated with the scores. The average age of the household members involved in dairy farming, household size, labour, cost of concentrates and size of land owned had a negative significant influence on economic efficiency. It was concluded that lowering costs, proper utilization of hired labour and intensive use of the available land for dairy farming would lead to an increase in economic efficiency. The study recommends subsidized prices for concentrates, intensive dairy farming, minimization of hired labour and organization of dairy training and workshops in order to increase the efficiency of milk production in small-scale farms in the study area and other parts of Kenya with similar agro-ecological and cultural conditions.

Field level interventions on subclinical mastitis and detection of Staphylococcus in crossbred dairy cows

Mastitis has emerged as one of the major managemental diseases of economic importance of high yielding dairy cows. A cross sectional study was carried out on 116 cross-bred dairy cows of small scale dairy farms; subclinical mastitis (SCM) was detected in 22 animals (cow-wise prevalence, 18.96%). Of the 88 individual quarter’s milk tested using California mastitis test (CMT) and somatic cell count (SCC) tests, 51 quarters showed SCM (quarterwise prevalence, 57.9%). Quarter-wise prevalence of SCM was 29.4, 31.4, 23.5 and 15.7% in right-fore (RF), right-hind (RH), left-fore (LF) and left-hind (LH) quarters, respectively. Fore-(52.9%) and right-(60.8%) quarters showed higher prevalence of SCM than hind-(47.1%) and left-(39.2%) quarters. All 4 quarters were found affected with SCM in 47% cows followed by 3-(23.5%), 1-(17.6%) and 2-(11.8%) quarters. Staphylococci were isolated and confirmed using 16S rRNA gene based genus-specific PCR in 39.2% of SCM affected quarters. Virulence associated nuc gene was detected in 75% of Staphylococcus isolates indicating their potential pathogenicity. Antibiogram showed multiple drug resistance (≥3 antimicrobial category) in 63.6% of Staphylococci. Multiple antimicrobial resistance (MAR) was recorded in 31.8% isolates. However, none of the isolate carried mecA gene. Interventions, viz. clean milk production practices, antimicrobial therapy and non-specific supportive treatments resulted in 77.7, 50 and 38.8% reductions in SCM compared to the untreated control (37.5%). This study accentuated higher prevalence of SCM among dairy cattle and predominance of Staphylococcus as the major mastitogen. Early detection and management of SCM among dairy cattle is recommended so as to prevent its progression to clinical illness and curtail potential economic loss to farmers.

Exploring Women Participation in Small-scale Dairy Farming: A Case of Paikgachha Upazila, Khulna, Bangladesh

Exploring Women Participation in Small-scale Dairy Farming: A Case of Paikgachha Upazila, Khulna, Bangladesh

Entry Points for Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Small-Scale Dairy Farms: Looking Beyond Milk Yield Increase

Increasing milk yield per cow is considered a promising climate change mitigation strategy for small-scale dairy farms in developing countries. As it can be difficult to increase cow productivity, mitigation options beyond this production strategy need to be identified. The aim of this study was to identify entry points for mitigation of GHG emissions in small-scale dairy farms in Lembang Sub-district, West Java, Indonesia. Data on herd composition, productivity, feeding and manure management were collected in a survey of 300 randomly selected dairy farms. Characteristics of farms with the 25% lowest (<3291 kg milk/cow/y), medium 50% (3291-4975 kg milk/cow/y), and 25% highest milk yields (≥4976 kg milk/cow/y) were compared. Life cycle assessment was then performed to estimate the cradle-to-farm gate GHG emission intensity (EI) of farms. The relationship between EI and milk yield per cow for all farms was modeled and farms with an EI below and above their predicted EI were compared (‘low’ and ‘high’ EI farms). Results showed that milk yield explained 57% of the variance in EI among farms. Farms with medium and high milk yields were more often specialized farms, fed more tofu waste and compound feed, and had higher feed costs than farms with low milk yields (P<0.05). Farms with high milk yields also applied less manure on farm land than farms with low milk yields (P<0.05). Low EI farms had fewer cows, and fed less rice straw, more cassava waste, and more compound concentrate feed (particularly the type of concentrates consisting largely of by-products from milling industries) than high EI farms (P<0.05). In addition, low EI farms discharged more manure, stored less solid manure, used less manure for anaerobic digestion followed by daily spreading, and applied less manure N on farmland than high EI farms (P<0.05). Some associations were affected by confounding factors. Farm management factors associated with milk yield and the residual variation in EI were considered potential entry points for GHG mitigation. Feeding less rice straw and discharging manure, however, were considered unsuitable mitigation strategies because of expected trade-offs with other environmental issues or negative impacts on food-feed competition.

Adoption of Calliandra Calothyrsus for Improved Dairy Production in Embu County, Kenya

Small-scale dairy production plays a significant role in food production and income generation in Embu County. However, dairy animals in the county rarely meet their full potential of milk production mainly due to inadequate fodder in terms of quantity and quality. Napier grass ( Pennisetum purpureum ) is the main feed for the animals. However, Napier grass is low in protein and produces little biomass during the dry season. Leguminous fodder trees including Calliandra calothyrsus are evergreen even during the dry season and have foliage rich in protein which can supplement the main diet of animals. This study was undertaken in Embu County in 2015 to assess adoption of Calliandra calothyrsus as a fodder. The study was conducted through a field survey using a structured questionnaire. The study involved interviewing 184 farmers, of which 124 were agroforestry farmers producing fodder trees and 60 non-fodder tree producing farmers. The results of the survey showed that 86% of the sampled farmers had adopted growing of Calliandra tree fodder. These farmers noted that the tree had multiple benefits that included; increased and improved dairy milk production from cows and goats as indicated by about 92% of the farmers, and improved quality of manure (84%). Age, gender, years in education and land size was the key socio-economic factors influencing adoption of Calliandra. Calliandra calothyrsus is an important fodder tree in Embu County contributing to; increased and improved milk production, providing food supplement for other livestock enterprises, conservation of soil and improved quality of manure. Keywords: Dairy farming, Embu County, Calliandra calothrysus , Adoption, Agroforestry DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-10-02 Publication date :May 31 st 2019

Cost-effectiveness assessment of three components of the bovine tuberculosis surveillance system by intradermal tuberculin testing in French cattle farms by a scenario tree approach

In most officially bovine tuberculosis (bTB)-free countries, bTB has not been fully eradicated. Costly and time-consuming surveillance and control measures are therefore still in place to control this infection. An officially bTB-free status, both at the national and at the herd level, influences whether and when animals can be sold. Thus, this infection is still an economic issue, justifying measures towards its eradication. An evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of such measures would be highly useful, especially to optimise the costs of control measures and their adaptation to a local epidemiological context. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of three mandatory surveillance protocols currently used in France by herd type (type of production, size, and turnover of the herd) under French field conditions. The first protocol (“strict”) implies the direct slaughter and post-mortem analyses of any intradermal cervical tuberculin test (ICT) reactor, and negative results to a second intradermal cervical comparative tuberculin test (ICCT) to regain bTB-free status of the herd. In the second protocol (“compliant quick-path”) bTB-free status can be regain if post-mortem analyses of reactors to the first ICT are negative. In the third protocol (“compliant slow-path”), ICCT-reactive animals are tested using the interferon gamma assay; the results of this test influence the path of further investigation. We built scenario trees for each of these protocols at the animal level. They allowed us to estimate herd sensitivity and the total cost of each protocol by herd type. The protocols could be ordered by decreasing herd sensitivity and cost, regardless of the herd type, as follows: strict protocol, compliant quick-path protocol, and compliant slow-path protocol. We calculated a cost-effectiveness index to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of each protocol. The strict protocol was never the most cost-effective, regardless of herd type, due to higher costs relative to the other protocols, despite better herd sensitivity. We found the compliant quick-path to be the most cost-effective protocol for big beef, big dairy, and mixed herds. The compliant slow-path was the most cost-effective for small-scale beef and dairy herds. All differences were significant. This comparison of the cost-effectiveness of the protocols by herd type could help authorities to choose the most suitable protocol in the investigation of suspected cases, depending on the herd type, but could be improved by accounting for important sociological data, such as the acceptability of the protocols.

Review Work on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Crossbreed Dairy Cattle in Ethiopia

Ethiopia enowed with alarge livestock population in africa as well as in the world. Dairy farming is one of the world wide practiced farming including Ethiopia. The main aim of this review is to know the overall preformance (both productive and reproductive) of crossbred dairy cattle in Ethiopia. According to inputs, agro-ecology, intensity of production dairy farming is catagoized as low land pastoralism, high land smallholder, urban and peri-urban small scale dairy farm and intensive (specialised comercial) dairy farming systems. The feed resourse for low land pastoralism and highland small holders is mostly natural pastures and crop by products. However, for urban and peri-urban small scale and intensive farms is purchased hay, green legum and other concentrats. Ethiopia has divrrsified dairy cattle breeds and the cross breeds have different production performance. Those differences in performance with in and between breeds could be due to management activity. There are also constraints that can influence the performance of dairy cattle like shortage of feed, poor genetic performance and poor management systems. The existing opportunities to improve thire performance includes the presence of diversified breeds as well as introducing of artificial insemination service technology. Besides these, the productive and reoroductive performance can be improve through good management. Therefore, good forage development strategy and good breeding strategies must be under taken by the government as well as other concerned bodies. Keywords : Productive, Reproductive, Preformanec, Dairy Cattle, Management DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-6-04 Publication date :March 31 st 2019