Smallholder Dairy Research Articles

Smallholder milk-quality awareness in Indonesian dairy farms

In most low- and middle-income countries, milk is produced by smallholders, thereby contributing to the livelihood of their households. With the increasing importance of milk production in these countries, it is essential that milk quality is of a high level to ensure a safe product for consumers. It is, however, unclear whether smallholder dairy farmers are aware of the quality of their milk. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to gain insight on Indonesian smallholder dairy farmers' awareness of milk quality parameters and to identify factors associated with the total plate count (TPC) and somatic cell count (SCC). A stratified sampling method was utilized to select smallholder farms in 5 districts in West Java, Indonesia that were interviewed between August and September 2017. Factors putatively associated with awareness of TPC were investigated with multinomial regression models while a Firth-type logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with SCC awareness. Of the total 600 farmers surveyed, 264 (44%), 109 (18%), 170 (28%), 111 (19%), and 23 (4%) farmers were aware of TPC, total solid (TS), fat content, milk density, and SCC, respectively, but did not know its value. Those that were conceptually aware of these quality parameters were generally unaware of their value. Furthermore, this study revealed that the following variables: cooperative, distance to neighboring dairy farmer, technology adoption index, TPC as the most important quality factors for the buyer, milk production information from cooperatives, and cow's health information from veterinarians were significantly associated with dairy farmers awareness of TPC. Similarly, cooperative, dairy business experience, and milk quality test adoption were significantly associated with dairy farmers' awareness of SCC. Cooperative was the only variable that was significant in both final statistical models. This indicates that cooperatives play an important role in increasing farmers' awareness of milk quality parameters in these smallholder dairies. This may be valid for other regions in the world also where milk production is dominated by smallholder dairy farmers.

Adoption of Biosecurity Practices in Smallholder Dairy Farms in Ethiopia

Dairy production is an important livelihood source for smallholder dairy farmers who produce the majority of milk consumed and traded in Ethiopia. Dairy production is, however, constrained by livestock diseases that impact farm productivity, food safety, and animal welfare. Biosecurity measures (BSM) include all risk reduction strategies designed to avoid the introduction of pathogenic infections from outside and minimise the spread of diseases within dairy herds. This study used a cross-sectional survey to investigate the adoption of BSM in dairy farms in Addis Ababa and Oromia regions of Ethiopia. Using a questionnaire, scores for adopted external and internal BSM were calculated based on the Ghent’s University Biocheck tool to compare the performance of different farms in Ethiopia. The weighted external biosecurity score was 49.1%, which was below average (below 50% adoption), while the weighted internal biosecurity score was 55.5%. Low adoption of crucial BSM increases the risk of disease introduction into dairy farms and transmission within herds. Adoption of BSM at the farm level was driven by individual, demographic, and socio-economic drivers, including education, farming system, milk value chain, and farming experience among others. Results of this research reveal low adoption of BSM and the imperative to encourage farmers to implement BSM can lead to a reduction in disease pressures and, thus, a reduction in antibiotic use and increased dairy farms productivity, and improved animal health and welfare. Farmers can be encouraged through proactive engagement with veterinarians and extension professionals. Moreover, creating a favourable policy environment can support farmers to adopt and implement BSM, given the known fact that “prevention is better and cheaper than curing diseases.”

Determinants of profitability of dairy farming enterprises among smallholder dairy farmers in south-west Nigeria

Dairy farming is essential to most developing economies, including Nigeria, due to its contribution to livelihoods in terms of food supply, income and employment generation. This study examines the determinants of profitability of dairy business among smallholder dairy farmers in Nigeria. Data were collected from 150 dairy farmers selected through a multistage sampling procedure and analyzed using descriptive statistics and the ordinary least square (OLS) regression method. The majority of the dairy farmers had primary education (45.45%). Most were married (92.91%), while many were economically active (60.67%). Most (50%) of the respondents had 7 household members and above and the majority (76.67%) had 20 years of experience in dairy farming. Age, vocational education, other forms of education, herd size and total production cost significantly influence the profitability of the dairy business. Major constraints include insufficient forage access, low-quality fodder and lack of credit. Feed technology training, health care management and dairy cooperatives are strongly advocated. Dairy cooperatives are also important for better bargaining in input delivery and better prices for output supply to the market. It will also enable the farmers to pull resources together and guarantee access to benefits like soft loans, literacy programmes, and social protection, among others.

Randomized control trial to investigate compliance with, and impacts of, cow comfort recommendations on smallholder dairy farms in Kenya

Smallholder dairy farmers (SDF) in developing countries often have limited understanding on the importance of cow comfort. We conducted a randomized controlled trial with 124 cows on 114 Kenyan SDF to determine the status of cow comfort, to assess compliance to farm-specific cow comfort recommendations, and to evaluate the impacts of the farm-specific interventions on cow comfort. On the first farm visit, stall dimensions and characteristics (e.g. stall base hardness and hygiene) were measured and categorized as adequate, marginal or inadequate/absent based on cow size. Where measurements were not adequate, farm-specific cow comfort recommendations were provided in written and oral form to the randomly allocated intervention group of farms (n = 74). On the second farm visit two months later, the same measurements were taken, and percent compliance to the recommendations was evaluated. A discomfort index was arithmetically calculated based on the stall base hardness (scale was 1–3 for soft to hard) and hygiene (scale was 1–5 for clean to dirty). Multivariable linear regression models were used to determine specific associations with the discomfort index. On the first visit, the mean stall base hardness and stall hygiene scores were 1.7 and 2.3, respectively, for a mean discomfort index of 4.0. Intervention farmers were given 3.9 comfort recommendations, on average, and complied with 2.1 recommendations, significantly improving the discomfort index at visit two to 3.3. The overall compliance to the recommendations was 49.0%. In a final model, the interaction between intervention group and visit number was significantly associated with discomfort index, indicating that after adjusting for baseline discomfort indices, the intervention led to better cow comfort. Specifically, bedding type and neck rail positioning were significantly associated with discomfort index. We concluded that farmers can substantially improve cow comfort on SDF by providing recommendations to them. Farm advisors should include cow comfort recommendations to SDF.

Linking the willingness of smallholder dairy farmers to adopt minimum food safety and quality standards to the country's export potential

SummaryFood safety is a crucial aspect of human well‐being, covered under the second sustainable development goal (SDG). Sustainable food supply chains must ensure compliance with food safety standards from farm to fork. Consumers in developed countries are becoming ever more demanding regarding ‘producers’ compliance with food safety and quality standards. Most food products ending up in high‐end markets come from developing countries, predominantly agricultural economies characterised by fragmented and smallholder farmers. Owing to enhanced agricultural exports, developing countries are struggling to implement or improve food safety standards. This study examines the link between the willingness of smallholder dairy farmers to adopt minimum food safety standards and the country's ability to export agri‐food products. Moreover, it investigates the role of farmer's supply chain learning and level of value addition in this relationship. A cross‐section of 260 smallholder dairy farmers was surveyed from four districts of the Punjab province in Pakistan through purposive sampling. The data were collected using a questionnaire using a 5‐point Likert scale to gauge ‘farmers’ responses. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We found significant mediation of supply chain learning and value addition between compliance with minimum food safety standards and the country's export potential. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on food safety by testing its relationship with a country's export potential and the factors affecting this relationship. Moreover, it provides food for thought for policymakers in food safety.

Seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis and associated factors among dairy cows with recent cases of abortion in Ethiopia

AbstractBackgroundBrucellosis is a serious zoonotic disease affecting human and all domestic animals. It is considered to be one of the great public health problems all over the world. Little attention has been paid to bovine brucellosis in small holder dairy farm and in animal owners and farm workers in central highland of Ethiopia. This research was conducted with the aim of determining seropositivity and identifying the potential risk factors of brucellosis in dairy cows with recent cases of abortion in the central highlands of Ethiopia.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study with purposive sampling carried out on dairy cows in the farms and kebeles from December 2019 to May 2020. The serum samples were initially screened for brucellosis using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) followed by the complement fixation test (CFT) for confirmation. The risk factors for bovine brucellosis were assessed using univariable Firth bias reduced logistic regression.ResultsA total of 352 samples were tested. Serological positivity for bovine brucellosis was detected in 1.2% (95% CI: 0.47–2.97) by RBPT, and bovine brucellosis confirmed by CFT was 0.6% (95% CI: 0.16–2.09). The risk factors for confirmed bovine brucellosis were the late stage of abortion (OR = 1.046, p = < 0.0041), retained fetal membranes (OR = 32.74, p = 0.006), and market‐based stock replacement (OR = 1.0638, p = 0.0008), which are significantly associated at 95% confidence interval.ConclusionThe proportion of brucellosis among aborted cows seems to be low in the study area. However, given the lack of control strategies in the area, there is a potential risk of transmission in dairy cattle and the human population in the study areas.

Adoption of dairy feed technology bundles improves smallholder dairy farmers' milk production

PurposeThis study examined the effects of adopting dairy feed technology bundles on the milk production of smallholder dairy farmers.Design/methodology/approachThe study was based on Multinomial Endogenous Switching Regression (MESR) to estimate the effects of the adoption of three feed technology bundles on milk production using data collected from 518 dairy farm households in West Java, Indonesia.FindingsThe findings indicated that adopting technology bundles had positive and robust effects on milk production, with gradual positive effects between non-adoption and the adoption of different bundles of technologies.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focused on the association between the adoption of feed technology bundles and milk production. However, further analysis of the causal links between the adoption of feed technologies and milk production as well as the inclusion of other outcomes in the analysis, such as production costs and risk mitigation, are required.Originality/valueMost of the literature on agricultural technology adoption focuses on the adoption of individual technologies, crop farming and conservation practices. Therefore, this study examined the effects of the adoption of dairy feed technology bundles.

PERFORMANCE OF FRIESIAN HOLSTEIN COWS AT SUMBERBULU DAIRY FARM IN BANYUWANGI EAST JAVA


 
 
 Every dairy farm should keep records of bloodlines, pests, disease, feed types and consumption. These records help preventing inbreeding, control pests and disease and provide the best feed for optimum performance. Howe- ver, smallholder dairy farmers in Indonesia pay less attention on the benefits of recordings. The purpose of this study is to analyse the reproductive and productive performance recorded of the productivity of FH cattle at Sum- berbulu Dairy Farm. An ex-post facto Comparative Causal method was used, where data were obtained by observa- tions, interviewed the owner, and recorded all available archives from December 2021 to January 2022 supporting the data analysis. Data of reproductive and productive performance were analysed by using simple descriptive anal- ysis. The results showed their S/C, days open, gestation period, and calving interval were 2.15 ± 0.28 times, 113.68 ± 18.05 days, 280.10 ± 2.41 days, and 393.33 ± 15.27 days, respectively. The total milk production 3.411.8 ± 170.03 kg/cow/lactation, MPPA 3.946 ± 42.24 kg/lactation, length of lactation period 270.03 ± 14.24 days, and length of dry period 94.24 ± 7.98 days. The reproductive and productive performance of FH dairy cows reared at Sumberbulu Dairy Farm were in ideal standard of FH cows reared in tropical areas.
 
 

Exploring animal husbandry in smallholder dairy systems in Ethiopia using photovoice

This study uses photovoice to explore smallholder dairy farmers’ husbandry knowledge and practices and document how they address constraints faced in pursuing their livelihood strategy. Currently, there is a paucity of farmer-led research in Ethiopia which captures farmers’ local knowledge and lived experiences.This study was conducted in April and May 2021 in Kaliti, a sub-city of Addis Ababa, and Holeta, located near Addis Ababa, in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. Farmers were selected through purposive and snowball sampling approaches based on their previous participation in a bovine tuberculosis study. Farmers selection was based on their experience in dairy farming and willingness to attend research-related meetings and to engage in photo-taking and subsequent group discussions. Farmers were trained on the use of the digital camera and asked to take pictures of their day-to-day activities, challenges faced in pursuing dairy production and how they overcome these challenges.The pictures taken by farmers indicated their attachment to their cattle, cattle disease symptoms, manure management, pest control practices, cattle housing, feeding practices, milking hygiene and storage. Discussions revealed that husbandry challenges faced stemmed from land-use change, declining farm sizes, poor access to veterinary and animal health services, low milk prices and high cattle feed prices. Farmers explained that they had developed knowledge of cattle nutrition, such as feed ration mixing and ways to deal with manure problems. The results of this study underscore that farmers have a good understanding of husbandry challenges and, additionally, have a wealth of local knowledge which can be leveraged, if captured through participatory and visual research methods, such as photovoice, by policymakers to develop context-aware policies and interventions and recommendations regarding improved practices which are economically viable, and socially and culturally acceptable.

Constraints and economic impacts of COVID-19 on dairy farming in Chattogram, Bangladesh

The covid-19 pandemic is likely to have substantial effects not only on the human being in Bangladesh but also on smallholder dairy farmers who were more affected because of the perishability nature of the product. The study was carried out to examine the impact of covid-19 on the dairy farming sector at Karnafully upazila in the Chattogram district of Bangladesh from an economic standpoint. Primary data were collected using a random sampling technique from smallholder dairy farms in the study area. Descriptive statistics and econometric methods were used to measure the socioeconomic status and farm profitability of dairy farmers. To analyze farm milk productivity, a Cobb-Douglas production function was estimated. A significant association of feed cost, milk price, household income and return from dairy farming between after covid and before covid period was found using t-test results. The study revealed that net return was higher before covid (BDT7972.19) than after covid (BDT4869.41) period. The production functions exhibited increasing returns to scale in both periods but comparatively in the covid-19 period it declined. The results also showed that feed costs increased but milk price, household income and return from dairy farming decreased due to covid-19 and the results are statistically significant (P

Molecular characterization and antibiotic resistance profile of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli isolated from healthy cow raw milk in smallholder dairy farms in Bangladesh.

The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, such as Escherichia coli in milk, is a serious public health concern as milk is considered a complete food and an important part of daily human diet worldwide, including in Bangladesh. However, there have been no reports on the molecular characterization and antibiotic resistance profile of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli from milk of healthy cows in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study aimed to detect and characterize ESBL-producing E. coli (ESBL-Ec) in milk samples from healthy cows in smallholder dairy farms in Mymensingh district, Bangladesh, and assess the potential risk of consuming this milk. A total of 100 milk samples were collected from apparently healthy cows on smallholder dairy farms. Escherichia coli was isolated from the collected samples using standard methods. The detection of ESBL-Ec was performed phenotypically using cultural methods and genotypically by ESBL genetic determinants using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the ESBL-Ec isolates was performed using the disk diffusion method with 15 common antimicrobials. In this study, out of the 100 samples tested, 70 (70%) were found to be positive for E. coli. Among these, 41 (58.6%) strains were identified as ESBL-producing, both phenotypically and genotypically, with the presence of blaCTX-M, blaTEM, and blaSHV individually or combined (blaCTX-M plus blaTEM plus blaSHV). The antibiogram of these ESBL-positive isolates revealed high resistance against commonly used antibiotics, such as ampicillin, cefotaxime, and gentamicin (100%), azithromycin (88%), oxytetracycline (27%), nalidixic acid, cotrimoxazole/trimethoprim (24%), and streptomycin (22%). In addition, one isolate showed resistance to 4th generation of cephalosporin (cefepime). Most importantly, extensive multidrug resistance was found in many ESBL-Ec isolates. However, the isolates were highly sensitive to drugs such as ceftriaxone (100%) and imipenem (100%). This is the first study to detect ESBL-Ec in raw milk from healthy cows on smallholder dairy farms in Bangladesh. More than 58% of the E. coli isolated from raw milk of healthy cows tested positive for ESBL production and showed resistance to most commonly used antimicrobials which may be alarming for human health. A limitation of our study is that we had a small size of sample collected from one district in Bangladesh. Therefore, a larger sample size covering a wider geographic area, and using multi-locus sequence typing and whole genome sequencing could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and characteristics of ESBL-Ec in Bangladesh.

Concerning distributive labour: Exploring the pragmatics of globalised interdependence

The promotion of smallholder dairy farming in Rungwe District, Tanzania has been enormously successful, with the vast majority of households now in possession of productive dairy cows. This article compares supposedly traditional loans with self-help groups directly established by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that both reveal ‘big’ recipients rather than distributors of resources, and that those carrying out development activities often benefit most from them. Rather than advocating a moral judgement, the article suggests the value of thinking with and against the concept of distributive labour to explain the pragmatics of interdependent relations that are key to doing development. Detachment between beneficiary and donor is essential, and mediates salutary claims that distributive labour is a means to advocate for shared values about the distribution of wealth across the globe.

Impact of contract farming on the income of smallholder dairy farmers from Nyagatare district in the Eastern Province of Rwanda

The demand for dairy milk and its products is projected to increase significantly in the developing countries by the year 2030. Globally, close to 6 billion people consume milk and other dairy products due to rising earnings, population expansion, urbanization, and dietary changes. The projected increase in demand for dairy milk and its products thus requires enhanced productivity by the dairy farmers. However, dairy farming is relatively capital intensive which requires dairy farmers to have disposal income to run the venture. Contract farming is gradually being embraced in Rwanda as a viable option to help farmers increase dairy productivity. The impact of contract farming on dairy farmers’ incomes is however not well documented in the Rwandan context. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the impact of contract farming on smallholder dairy farmers’ income in Rwanda among smallholders’ dairy farmers in Nyagatare District. Following the stratification and purposive sampling of two sectors, random sampling of two villages from each of those sectors allowed for the systematic and purposive sampling of representative households and farmers. Data from 214 smallholder dairy farmers were collected using structured interviews and document reviews. The multivariate logistic analysis and propensity score matching was used for data analysis in Stata Version 15. The findings showed that smallholder dairy farmers adopting contract farming earned on average 135,000 RWF (135$) more than their non-adopter counterparts. Further, contract farming was found to have a significant positive impact on income among smallholder dairy farmers in Nyagatare district. However, the impact of contract farming on farmer incomes could be further augmented by increasing the heads of cattle owned per farmer, to at least more than 30. Government intervention is one way to achieve this. The government, in collaboration with businesses like Heifer International, can give heifers to small-scale dairy farmers. Key words: Contract farming, Income, Smallholder dairy farmers, Impact, Rwanda

Improving Economic Welfare through Capital Development: Case Study of Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Pujon District

Developing the economic welfare of smallholder dairy farmers is an important strategy for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in regions such as Pujon District, a major dairy producer in the Malang Regency. Enhancing the economic stability of these farmers contributes to community welfare and promotes aspects of the SDGs such as “Good Health and Well-Being” and “No Poverty”. This study delves into the relationships among five types of capital—human, social, natural, physical, and financial—and their influence on the welfare of dairy farmers in Pujon District. A questionnaire was distributed to 110 respondents in January and February 2022 for the purpose of this research. After the data were collected, Smart-PLS was used to analyze the structural-equation model (SEM). According to the findings, these five types of capital have a significant and positive impact on the welfare of farmers. As a result, these five capitals provide a tangible framework for enhancing and measuring farmer welfare in Pujon District, thus providing a strategic path for optimizing community resources to boost economic welfare and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. The study findings provide valuable insights into the strategies that can be adopted to promote sustainable agriculture and enhance the well-being of farmers in Pujon District.

Entrepreneurial Production Technology and Growth of Smallholder Dairy Enterprises in Kenya

This study investigated influence of entrepreneurial production technology on growth of smallholder dairy enterprises in Kenya. The enterprises continuous respond to increasing demand for dairy products in the market from rising global populations. Dairy industry has introduced technologies, and adoption has increased productivity. In an attempt to gain and retain competitive advantage in the market, amidst environmental challenges, some related to climate change, enterprises have adopted entrepreneurial production technology. This study proposed that growth of smallholder dairy enterprises depends on the adoption of these technologies. The hypothesis was tested using a field survey on the actual technologies adopted by smallholders and extent of the adoption. Open and closed ended questionnaires were administered to a study sample of 395 smallholder dairy farmers, proportionately drawn from among active members, currently supplying milk to Githunguri, Wakulima and Nyala dairy cooperative societies in Kiambu, Nyeri, Nyandarua and Laikipia counties in high potential Central Kenya. The study established a significant positive influence of entrepreneurial production technology on growth of smallholder dairy enterprises in Kenya, supporting the idea that growth of smallholder dairy enterprises in Kenya is positively correlated to the extent of adoption of entrepreneurial production technologies in breeding, feeds production and feeding, and in waste handling. The results imply that smallholder dairy enterprises are poised to achieve greater growth when they adopt more entrepreneurial production technologies for breeding dairy cattle, feeds production and feeding and in handling waste from their dairy farms Key Words: Entrepreneurship; Entrepreneurial Production Technology; Enterprise Growth

Adoption of dairy technologies in smallholder dairy farms in Ethiopia

The adoption of modern agricultural technologies in Ethiopia’s dairy production system remains underutilized and under-researched yet it is a promising sector to aid in reducing poverty, improving the food security situation and the welfare of rural households, and in ensuring environmental sustainability. This paper uses the Negative Binomial regression model to examine determinants of multiple agricultural technology adoption in the Addis Ababa and Oromia regions of Ethiopia. Data was collected from 159 smallholder dairy farms in Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa and Oromia regions exploring 19 technologies used by the farmers during the study period. The findings show that farm location and herd size impact adoption decisions. Increasing herd size is associated with increased uptake of multiple technologies. Further, as farmer education level increases the more likely farmers are to adopt multiple technologies. The increase in the number of female workers is positively associated with the adoption of multiple dairy technologies. In terms of farmers’/workers’ years of experience, those with no years of work experience are less likely to have adopted multiple technologies than those with more than 5 years of experience. However, this could be due to a number of factors where experience stands as a proxy value. Trust in information from government agencies was associated with a higher propensity to adopt multiple dairy technology as was farmer perception of fellow farmers as peers compared to those who perceive them as competitors. This is an important finding as it may help policymakers or institutions explore knowledge exchange and diffusion of innovation strategies tailored to specific farming and community situations. Studies have shown that farmers within a social group learn from each other more fully about the benefits and usage of new technology. These findings are of value in future technology adoption studies, particularly which factors influence the intensity of adoption of multiple technologies by smallscale producers.

Influence of Innovation Platform-based Learning on Farm- level Milk Losses among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Mogotio Sub-county in Baringo County, Kenya

Smallholder dairy farmers make up to 80% of total dairy producers and produce 56% of total milk in Kenya. Income from milk is the main source of their annual recurrent revenue. The critical point in the milk supply chain where improvements can contribute to increased income is through the reduction of farm-level milk losses. An innovation platform-based capacity building programme is a programme that brings together all relevant actors to assist in addressing the gaps left by the conventional government extension services when minimising farm level milk loss among smallholder dairy farmers in Mogotio sub-county. This study used a tailor-made capacity building model at Mogotio innovation platform on proper milking techniques that would make milk production economical. The study assessed the current milking practices of suckling, non-weaning and overall milk production during the lactation time through interactive learning sessions in the platform. The study was conducted in Mogotio Ward of Mogotio sub-county in Baringo County, Kenya. The target population consisted of 840 accessible smallholder dairy farmers and a purposive sample of 120 dairy farmers were involved in the baseline survey. A group of 30 farmers was selected to participate in focus group discussions. Farmers were selected for the end of project survey to determine the influence of the innovation-based capacity building programme. The interactive learning in the study assisted in broadening the knowledge base of farmers leading to improved milking techniques, high yields, more income, improved food security and hence improved livelihoods. The results from this study helped in enhancing capacity of smallholder dairy farmers and may inform policy in the dairy sector.

Multi-level Association Rule Mining for the Discovery of Strong Underrepresented Patterns

Increasing the milk production of small dairy producers is necessary to cover the increase in milk demand in Tanzania. Currently, the population of people in both Tanzania and the world has increased and is predicted to increase more in the year 2050. The use of multilevel association rule mining methods to mine strong patterns among smallholder dairy farmers could help in identifying the best dairy farming practices and increase their milk production by adopting them. This study employed multi-level association rule mining to discover strong rules in three clusters, resulting in three levels of rules in each cluster. These three clusters were high, medium, and low milk producers. Rules were obtained for feeding practices, milk production, and breeding and health practices. These rules represent strong patterns among smallholder dairy farmers that could help them improve their dairy farming practices and have a gradual increase in milk production, from low to medium and from medium to higher milk production. Smallholder dairy producers would be provided with recommendations on their dairy farming practices, using rules based on the cluster to which they belong that could help them achieve higher milk production.

Clinical field trial of parenteral amoxicillin for the treatment of clinical and subclinical mastitis in smallholder dairy farms in the upper region of Northern Thailand.

Mastitis, primarily caused by intramammary bacterial infection, is the most expensive disease in the global dairy industry due to its negative impact on milk composition and manufacturing properties. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of parenteral amoxicillin in the treatment of clinical and subclinical mastitis in smallholder dairy farms in Northern Thailand. A total of 51 cows with clinical and subclinical mastitis from dairy cooperatives in Lamphun and Chiang Mai provinces, Northern Thailand, were enrolled in this study. Conventional bacteriological procedures were applied to identify the causative bacteria in milk samples from these cows before and 7 days after treatment, and antibiotic susceptibility tests were conducted using the disk diffusion method for all bacteria isolated before treatment. All cows with mastitis were administered 15 mg/kg of amoxicillin (LONGAMOX®, Syva Laboratories SA, Spain) intramuscularly every other day for 3 days. Environmental streptococcal bacteria (Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus spp.) were commonly isolated from infected quarters and were highly susceptible to amoxicillin (100%). The clinical efficacy of amoxicillin treatment for clinical mastitis cases was 80.43%, and the bacteriological efficacy was 47.82%, with opportunistic staphylococcal bacteria (coagulase-negative staphylococci) and contagious streptococcal bacteria (Streptococcus agalactiae) being the most sensitive microorganisms (100%). In subclinical mastitis cases, the bacteriological efficacy of parenteral amoxicillin was 70.45%, with environmental streptococcal bacteria (S. uberis) being the most (100%) sensitive microorganisms. Amoxicillin is highly efficacious and can be used to treat clinical and subclinical mastitis in dairy cows, particularly mastitis caused by environmental Streptococcus spp. These findings could be used to guide treatment regimens in veterinary practice in smallholder dairy farms in Thailand.

Exploring the Determinants of Milk Production among Smallholder Dairy Farming: A Case of Pirojpur District, Bangladesh

Dairy farming is a good income source of the smallholder dairy farmers in Bangladesh to maintain their livelihood. In this aspect, the objective of the study was to assess the determinants or factors infl uencing milk production in the smallholder dairy farms in Pirojpur district of Bangladesh. A sample of 93 smallholder dairy farmers was randomly selected for data collection. A pre-tested structured interview schedule was employed to conduct the survey among the respondents. The data were interpreted by using percentage, mean, frequency, standard deviation and regression analysis. Majority of the farmers (84.9%) had low to moderate milk production in their farm. The milk production was infl uenced by training in cattle rearing, smaller cattle herd size, farmers’ higher knowledge on milk production, and a greater number of milking cows. The Department of Livestock Service (DLS) and other related NGOs may arrange more training programs for the smallholder dairy farmers focused on milk production. Initiative like providing credit facilities either interest-free or lower rate of interest may help the farmers to be owner of more milking cow as well as increase farm income of the smallholder dairy farmers