Smallholder Dairy Research Articles

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

Livelihood Resilience of Smallholder Dairy Farmers Against External Shocks: A Case Study in the Northern Dry Zone of Sri Lanka

Official journal of the Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya. Tropical Agricultural Research publishes complete accounts of research of outstanding significance, together with critical review articles on all aspects of agriculture including agronomy and crop production, horticulture, agricultural biology, food and nutrition, soil and water resource management, agricultural engineering, agricultural economics, animal science, biotechnology, plant protection, genetics and plant breeding.Tropical Agricultural Research is now indexed in DOAJ.

A one health framework to advance food safety and security: An on-farm case study in the Rwandan dairy sector

In Rwanda, cattle and milk hold a cultural and historical significance, providing an opportunity for pro-dairy governmental policies aimed to alleviate food insecurity, malnutrition, and improve livelihoods. The government of Rwanda has identified strategies to grow the dairy sector through strategic investment to achieve these goals. It is estimated two-thirds of lactating cows in Rwanda have clinical or subclinical mastitis, which reduces milk production and increases the risk of milk as a source for zoonotic disease if the milk is consumed undercooked or unpasteurized. This case study outlines the implementation of a One Health framework that integrates education, research, and outreach in Rwanda to improve food safety and food security, for the social, economic, and health benefit of Rwandans and their livestock. Twenty-five Rwandan Extension Specialists participated in the Dairy Dynamic Management education, research, and outreach program. Once trained, the extension specialists supported 30 small holder dairy farmers in performing proper husbandry and animal health practices for mastitis control and reduction of bacterial counts in the udder. Over the 16-week program, 30 small holder dairy farmers and 100 dairy cows were surveyed weekly for animal husbandry, animal health, and mastitis indicators. Outcomes were evaluated by monitoring animal health, foodborne pathogens in milk, and compliance to animal husbandry protocols. Quarter milk samples were collected weekly and evaluated for the presence of bacteria that are common causes of mastitis. We found a statistically significant reduction of mean total bacterial counts and prevalence of bacterial species in quarters over the 16-week training (P ≤ .01). Smallholders were monitored through observing farmers performing hygienic milking protocols. Farmers conducted the protocol correctly greater than 90% of the time by the end of the 16-week program for 5 of 7 steps for proper hygienic milking procedures, indicating farmers were eager to learn and adopt the procedures. However, follow-up and retraining with Extension Specialists is vital to continued success. We demonstrate that an integrative One Health education, research, and outreach program can be successful in improving animal health, food safety, and food security and this framework can be applied to other agricultural sectors and geographic regions.

Determinants of farmers’ decision to choice market outlets: Evidence from milk producer farmers in Ada’a Berga District Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, many initiatives have been implemented to empower smallholder dairy farmers to develop viable livelihoods from the sector. The problem with these policies is the inability to reach farmers at large, and dairy farmers in rural areas are always challenged to deliver milk and milk products faster to the final market. The study was aimed at investigating factors that influence market channel choices among dairy producers in Ada’a Berga district Ethiopia. This paper uses data from a survey of 123 dairy producer households in four rural kebeles to analyse the factors that influence the choice of a milk marketing channel. Multivariate probit econometric model results show that income from dairy source, market information and educational level of household affected wholesaler outlet. The choice of consumer outlet is influenced by family size, membership in a dairy cooperative, market information, non-dairy income and income from dairy source. Number of milking cows, membership in a dairy cooperative and non-dairy income determined the choice of dairy cooperative outlet. The choice of district retailer’s market outlet was affected by sex of households, membership in a dairy cooperative and income from dairy sources. Choice of rural collector outlet is negatively influenced by non-dairy income and access to an extension contact. Therefore, policies should be designed that encourage farmers’ cooperatives, contract farming and collective action in order to lower transaction costs, expand market information for dairy producers, expand extension services and expand infrastructures such as road and transportation facilities, which are needed to promote the effective marketing of milk through all outlets.

Occurrence and associated risk factors of aflatoxin contamination in animal feeds and raw milk from three agroecological zones of Tanzania

Aflatoxins (AFs) are natural toxic compounds produced by a specific type of fungi, which subsequently contaminate foods and animal feeds, potentially carcinogenic to humans. This study assessed the AFs awareness, prevalence and associated risk factors through a survey of the smallholder dairy farmers (SDFs) and livestock feeds and raw cow milk samples from three agroecological zones in Tanzania. The aflatoxin awareness among SDFs (419) and agrovet dealers (26) was 23.2% and 50%, respectively. The prevalence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in livestock feeds from agrovet dealers, and SDFs was 88.5 and 86.2%, with a concentration ranging from a limit of detection (LOD) to 22.99 and 32.9 μg/kg, respectively. However, 15.38 and 22.5% of AFB1 detected samples from agrovet dealers and SDFs exceeded the European Union (EU) and Tanzanian Bureau of Standards (TBS) limits of 5 μg/kg for dairy cow feeds. The prevalence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw cow milk was 30.7%, of which 27.9% exceeded the EU and TBS limits of 0.05 μg/l for raw cow milk. The risk factors associated with AFB1 and AFM1 were cattle feeding systems: zero-grazing (odds ratio (OR) = 11.3 (1.5-22.9)) and mixed feeding (OR=16.0 (1.4-43.6)), use of concentrates feeds (OR=12.0 (0.6-55.6)), mixed feeding (OR=5.0 (0.5-11.1)); feed handling and storage practices: no moisture content measurement (OR=2.0 (0.3-15.0)) and storing feeds (OR=3.6 (1.7-8.5)); agroecological zones: central zone (OR=15.2 (5.4-50.6)) and northern zone (OR=2.1 (0.7-7.3)); aflatoxin (AF) awareness and level of education: primary (OR=16.0 (2.5-155.3)) and secondary education (OR=8.0 (2.14-43.9)) (P<0.05). This study revealed a high prevalence of aflatoxin contamination in animal feeds and raw cow milk, suggesting a potential health risk to consumers. Therefore, it is vital to increase awareness and knowledge on AFs, proper handling, storage and monitoring of feeds among the stakeholders in the dairy value chain.

FTC Based Forage Demonstration of Elephant Grass Technology in Ginchi, Wonchi and Debrelibanose District, Oromia National Regional State of Ethiopia

The study was conducted in three dairy potential areas of Ginchi, Wonchi, and Debrelibanose districts of Oromia region Ethiopia, to demonstrate promising elephant grass materials to smallholder dairy farmers. As a part of the methodology, a participatory extension approach is employed in this particular study to select a demonstration site. A total of 6 FTC were selected with an area of 10m2x20m2 plot sizes from each district. Elephant grass with accession numbers (14794) material as a candidate along with the check were demonstrated and evaluated for their biomass yield across tested sites. During the implementation phase, on-spot theoretical and practical training was provided to the smallholder farmers, development agents, and agricultural experts of the respective districts. The findings of this research revealed that there was a statistical significant difference in dry matter yield of demonstrated candidate material (accession 14794) over the local check at (p<0.01) probability level. And the dry matter yield of the candidate (accession 14794) ranged from 13.50 to 4.92 t/ha with a mean of 9.21 t/ha while the check provided 8.75 t/ha and 3.91 t/ha dry matter yield across the tested site. Moreover, Elephant/Napier grass materials responded differently across the tested sites because of differential responses of the climatic and biotic factors. The best average yield of the candidate (Accession #14794) were recorded at Ginchi district (10.40 t/ha) and followed by Debrelibanose district (8.87 t/ha) as compare to Wonchi district due to field management and another climate variability’s. Thus, the study recommended that it’s paramount to promote (accession#14794) elephant grass material with its recommended production package for further scaling up and popularization to the study area under similar agro ecology with the joint effort of district office of agriculture, non-government organizations and by other concerned stakeholders.

Synergies of feed, management trainings, and genetics on milk production of dairy cows in the tropics: The case of Ethiopian smallholder farmers

Efforts made so far to increase milk production of indigenous cattle by upgrading with exotic genotypes through crossbreeding under smallholder farmer conditions in Ethiopia have resulted in limited improvement. This study was conducted to determine if combining improved feed and management-related trainings with Holstein genetics will synergistically increase the milk production of dairy cows, and to examine the degree to which the increase or improvement is related to the level of exotic genetics involved. A total of 96 smallholder dairy farmers were purposively selected and allocated to one of three treatments reflecting differing degrees of capacity building support: (1) no training and no material support (Control); (2) training provided by another project (PAID) but without material support; (3) enhanced training plus material support (Feed-Mgt). Sixteen extension development agents and eight livestock experts were selected to provide training and weekly on-farm data collection, monitoring, technical support, and messaging reinforcement visits. Enhanced training addressed a broad range of topics related to feed and feeding, improved forage production, milk production and handling, construction and use of improved dairy housing, disease control, and dairy farm record keeping. Material support was in the form of formulated dairy concentrate feed and improved forage planting materials (seeds/seedlings). Data collection included variables describing animal performance, management practice adoption, and milk and butter quality. Tail hair samples for genetic profiling of breed makeup were also collected from all cows in the study. Results showed that there was a very significant effect of treatment (P < 0.001) on milk production, as well as treatment by week interaction (P = 0.034), with the effect of treatment markedly increasing over time (P = 0.032). That is, cows in Feed-Mgt group had up to 26.6% greater milk production compared to those in the Control group. Region and region by treatment interaction have no effects. Cows used in the experiment had varying proportions of Holstein-Friesian genome that ranged between 0 and 100%, suggesting prevalence of indiscriminate crossbreeding. Cows with a high proportion of Holstein genetics in treatment 3 produced more milk as compared to those in control group. Besides, supplemental feed improved body condition, reduced number of services per conception and resulted in higher lactation length of cows on treatment 3 compared with those on treatments 1 and 2 (P < 0.001). Overall, our findings suggest that an integrated approach of improved feed, feeding practices, and management training for smallholder dairy that goes beyond the improvement of genetics will increase milk production, improve milk quality and body condition, and resulted in higher length of lactation.

Unlocking the potential of smallholder dairy farm: Evidence from the central highland of Ethiopia

Sustainable livestock farming practices have the potential to improve productivity and high income, reduce greenhouse gases, and improve household food security. Despite previous efforts to disseminate these technologies, the rate of adoption has remained very low in Ethiopia. In this study, we investigate the determinants of adoption and the impact of improved dairy farming practices (IDFP), which include improved breed, improved feed, and improved feeding conditions, on household food security in the central highland of Ethiopia. A multi-stage stratified random sampling technique was used to select 480 smallholder farmers from four districts. The study employed principal component analysis (PCA) to group IDFPs, and the endogenous switching regression model (MESR) was used to examine household food security status. Our findings showed that IDFP adoption had a significant and positive impact on per capita food consumption and increases the likelihood of smallholder farmers being food secure compared to non-adopters. The adoption of integrated IDFP had a greater impact on household food security when smallholder farmers used a package that incorporates improved breeds, feeds, and feeding systems (B1F1S1). The implementation of this package increased food security by 31% in terms of household food consumption score (HFCS) and 26% in terms of household diet diversity score (HDDS). Additionally, the size of livestock holdings, off-farm income, extension services, and milk collection centers all influenced the adoption decision of this package. It has been confirmed that improving dairy farming practices for sustainable development can significantly contribute to the food security of smallholder farmers when used in combination. Interventions that address access to farm resources, the supply chain for technological inputs and services, and output markets may assist in the adoption of dairy technologies.

English

Kuresoi North Sub-County has experienced a rapid expansion in milk production and there exist both formal and informal milk market outlets. With these abundant opportunities, much of the produced quantities of milk are expected to enter the market and farmers’ livelihoods be improved. However, it is not clear whether the smallholder milk producers are exploiting the existing and emerging market opportunities through the choice of market outlets. The objective of this study was to identify factors influencing choice of milk market outlets among small holder dairy farmers in Kuresoi North sub-county. A total of 196 respondents were selected using multistage sampling and a semi-structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data. SPSS and STATA were used to analyze the data. Results showed that occupation of the household, group marketing, access to credit, distance to market point, number of cows, milk volume, price of milk and type of breed significantly influenced the choice of milk marketing outlets. The study recommends that the county government in collaboration with other stakeholders in the milk sector should increase marketing information and capacity building by promoting expansion of dairy farming and linking the farmers to alternative markets thus improving their welfare. Key words: Smallholder milk producers, market outlet, choice of market outlet.

Assessment of the Current Status of Milk Production and Farm-level Milk Losses among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Mogotio Sub-county, Baringo County

Smallholder dairy farmers account for up to 80% of total dairy producers and 56% of total milk production in Kenya. The reduction of farm level milk losses at the farm level is a critical point in the milk supply chain where improvements can contribute to increased income.
 The target population included 840 accessible smallholder dairy farmers and 120 dairy farmers who were purposefully sampled as study respondents during the baseline survey. Thirty farmers were purposefully chosen to participate in focus group discussions. A structured questionnaire, Focus Group Discussion guides, and a Key Informant Interview schedule were used to collect data. Focus Group Discussions and Expert Interviews yielded qualitative data. The data's reliability was then estimated using Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient, a measure of internal consistency. Data analysis required the application of both descriptive and inferential statistics. T-tests and the Pearson chi-square test of independence were used for inferential statistics, while measures of central tendency, dispersion and proportions analysis were used for descriptive statistics. According to the findings of the study, the most common milk losses included spillage (30%), excessive consumption by the calves (22%), spoilage (19%) and non-collection of milk due to free-range grazing (17%). Furthermore, most of the farmers (67%) used plastic milk containers. This is worrying because despite a wide variety of plastics existing it is only a few of them that are food grade approved. Microbial contamination through calf suckling is predominant with (71%) practicing free suckling methods which is known to reduce milk yield through milk rejection. The purpose of the study was to assess the current status of milk production and farm-level milk losses among smallholder dairy farmers in Mogotio Sub-county, Baringo County.

EFFECT OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT TRAINING ON MILK PRODUCTION AMONG SMALL HOLDER DAIRY FARMERS IN TRANS-NZOIA COUNTY, KENYA

The increase in the world's population and increased urbanization across the globe have triggered an elevated demand for dairy products. In the east Africa region, future projections indicate that the demand for milk will have tripled by 2050. However, milk supply is not predicted to increase and match demand indicating an inevitable shortage in the supply. Supply chain management is paramount in enhancing efficient production and supply of products from the farm level to the consumers factoring in the consumers' requirements in terms of reliability, quantity, quality and price. It is therefore critical to do an in-depth analysis on the importance of supply chain management training intervention in the milk supply chains among smallholder dairy farmers to respond to the shortfalls in future demand. This study consequently sought to determine the effect of supply chain management training on milk production among smallholder dairy farmers in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya. The Rational Choice Theory guided this study. The study adopted a descriptive research design. A sample size of 1875 dairy farmers was selected to participate in the study. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire. The primary data were analyzed using SPSS. The Standard Poisson model results revealed that age, education, and marital status of the household head, herd size, road condition, milk volume, distance to milk output market, and household size were significant contributors to the use of motorcycle services. The study established that dairy farmers' supply chain management training intervention significantly affected milk production in Trans Nzoia County (F=39, p < 0.05). The study concluded that supply chain management training intervention was paramount in enhancing milk production. Therefore this study recommends that county governments should set up mechanisms through which interventions will be enacted to help farmers enhance their dairy yields. As such, the government should consider setting up workshops through which farmers will be enlightened on various supply and value chain factors for optimal production.

Blockchain Based Solutions for Milk Procurement Management and Adulteration Detection

In our day-to-day life, milk is a fundamental component that is rudimentary for many food products. Consuming milk regularly is very important because it is a mixture of various macro and micronutrients and is a source of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Particularly in our nation, women’s empowerment and milk production are closely related. Furthermore, rural Indian communities rely heavily on small holder dairy farms for their livelihoods, and women play an important role in milk production. The dairy sector is estimated to contribute around 6% of the country’s agricultural GDP, with the value of milk production in India exceeding 200 million ton by the year 2023 [1]. Milk is a highly perishable commodity, when not handled properly it is susceptible to microbial spoilage. The milk after production must be processed properly to retain its quality till consumption. Nowadays, many milk vendors are adulterating the milk for financial gain. Consumers have the rights to obtain good and safe milk, as it is largely consumed by people of all age groups. Supply chain process of a small holder dairy farming has been examined recently in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India and it has been observed that the current process in dairy involves the accumulated milk from dairy farmers are being poured into the milk cane, then being detected and sent to a larger container where it is mixed with all the other milk. In most cases, it would be impossible to separate fresh milk from un-fresh milk. Therefore, the objective of this research work aims to develop a Blockchain and IoT based solution for milk procurement and adulteration detection there by providing a complete milk traceability data to the consumers from production to consumption, and establishing a trust in providing quality milk to the society.

Unlocking credit access for farmers (Case study of dairy farmers in East Java, Indonesia)

Access to credit is crucial for the economic development and sustainability of smallholder farmers in rural areas. In the context of Malang, East Java, Indonesia, this study delves into the factors that influence smallholder farmers' access to credit. Smallholder farmers play a pivotal role in ensuring food security, agricultural, and livestock productivity in Indonesia, making it imperative to understand the determinants of their credit access. This research was conducted between July and August 2023, employing a Probit Model and descriptive statistics to analyze data collected through a survey questionnaire. A multistage random sampling technique was employed, encompassing 70 smallholder dairy farmers in Malang. Findings from the Probit Model unveiled that several factors significantly affect the decision of smallholder farmers to adopt credit access. These factors include education levels among farmers, cattle ownership, access to the internet, participation in livestock training programs, and the employment of family members. The positive influence of these factors emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions to enhance smallholder farmers' credit access. To promote the adoption of credit access among smallholder dairy farmers in Malang, collaborative efforts between stakeholders and government entities are essential. These efforts should focus on improving the availability of livestock-related training programs and enhancing internet accessibility, particularly to bolster the sustainability of the livestock sector, with a specific emphasis on dairy farming. Such measures can help uplift the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, foster agricultural growth, and contribute to overall rural development in the region.

Qualitative performance of participated cow for progeny test on smallholder dairy farms

Dairy cow health status affects to milk production and contributes to the profit in many types of dairy management. Locomotion score has been used to determine the qualitative performance score of dairy cows. Investigations on dairy cow located in Wagir Malang were obtained to assess the qualitative performance of participated cow. Selecting participated cow to assure the potential of superior bull from his pedigree in progeny test. There were 85 dairy cows belongs to the smallholder dairy farmer contributed to this research. The result showed that Chest Width 20.99 ± 2.63 cm; Body Depth 79.58 ± 4.79 cm; Rump Angle -2.59 ± 2.43°; Thurl Width 16.46 ± 1.71 cm; Rear Leg Side View 146.82 ± 6.08°; Rear Leg Rear View 15.96 ± 4.19°; Font Foot Angle 42.94 ± 4.81° and Rear Foot Angle 40.12 ± 5.09°. It can be concluded that the qualitative performance of participated cow shows moderate performance based on the standard performance of FH. It is necessary to select the participated cow to improve milk yield of its pedigree and qualitative performance score can be used as the basis of breeding program.

On-farm evaluation of growth performance and nutritional values of Brachiaria hybrid and Pennisetum purpureum cultivars in Southern Highlands, Tanzania

Abstract Improved cultivars (cvs.) of Brachiaria hybrid and Pennisetum purpureum forages have been studied extensively in research settings but still there is a paucity of information about their on-farm performance. This study was therefore set to evaluate the on-farm performance of Brachiaria hybrid cvs. Cayman and Cobra, and Pennisetum purpureum cvs. ILRI 16835 and Ouma in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. A total of 30 smallholder dairy farmers who cultivated these improved forage grasses were involved in this study. A 2 m × 2 m sub-plot was marked in established pasture plots and a standardised cut at a 5–7 cm stubble height was done at the beginning of this study. The forage growth performance was conducted from April–July, 2021 (dry period) in two phases of 6 weeks each. These cultivars were evaluated for their above-ground growth performance and nutritional values at the end of each phase. Plant height, leaf length, leaf widths, and number of tillers per plant among cultivars varied significantly (p < 0.05) while above-ground forage biomass did not vary among cultivars (p > 0.05). Crude protein values did not vary significantly among cultivars (p > 0.05), they were 131–141 g kg−1 dry matter (DM). These values were not able to meet the nutritional requirements of the lactating dairy cow. Brachiaria hybrid cv. Cayman had the lowest (p < 0.05) neutral detergent fibre (NDF, 539 g kg−1 DM) compared to other cultivars (545–571 g kg−1 DM), hence high digestibility. It was concluded that Cayman was the best cultivar for forage production in the Southern Highlands, Tanzania due to its low NDF content. However, lower biomass warrants mixing of Cayman with other feeds to meet the daily requirements of a lactating dairy cow.

Impact and determinants of membership in dairy cooperative society: The case of smallholder dairy farmers in Barpeta District of Assam

Dairy cooperatives are associated with creating opportunities for attaining higher level of market integration having implications for significant improvement in income of the dairy farmers. Given the positive impact of DCS membership from the analysis of multivariate regression the study further looks for factors that determine the decision to become membership of DCS. The analysis of the determinants based on logistic regression shows that milch animal holding, credit accessibility, availability of other services from DCS have positive relation with the membership decision, while dairy farming experience, distance to the cooperative collection centre and price of milk are negatively and significantly associated with cooperative membership. The study suggests that facilitating access to credit through dairy cooperatives to meet the financial viability, offering services to dairy farmers like fodder seed, subsidized concentrate feed, veterinary services, and establishment of more collection centre and improving market infrastructure can be instrumental in stimulating farmers’ membership decision to join cooperatives. Overall, to increase farmer’s membership the study recommends policies to take up more awareness programmes and trainings from time to time among the younger farmers on the beneficial effects of participating in cooperative system of dairying. The study concludes that cooperatives can be efficient in fostering wellbeing of the farmers with relatively higher income, employment and nutritional status.

PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF BOVINE BRUCELLOSIS IN SMALLHOLDER DAIRY COWS OF MYMENSINGH DISTRICT IN BANGLADESH

Background: Most of the smallholder animal farmers in rural Bangladesh depend on livestock for their livelihoods but significant percentage of these animals do not achieve their potential mainly due to inadequate nutrition and disease and occasionally transmit zoonotic disease like brucellosis. Brucellosis has been recognized as a neglected zoonotic disease in the low-income countries that produce few or no clinical signs in the affected animals making it more difficult for the dairy farmers to use preventive measures. However, sero-monitoring could help to detect the occurrence of Brucella infection in smallholder dairy farm management system. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for positivity of bovine brucellosis by using sero-screening and milk ring test supported with questionnaire Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study on bovine brucellosis was conducted in smallholder dairy cows in the district of Mymensingh during the period from August to December 2019. Serum samples of 460 lactating cows along with their milk samples were collected randomly. Serum samples were screened for brucellosis with Rapid Antigen Kit Test and Rose Bengal Test (RBT), whereas milk samples were tested with Milk Ring Test (MRT). Farm and animal level demographic and risk factor data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results: The overall sero-prevalence was found to be 3.9% (95% CI 2.4-6.2) using RBT and Rapid Antigen Kit Test and 2.8% (CI 1.5-4.9) using Milk Ring Test, respectively. The odds of brucellosis was 7.4 times (95% CI: 2.5-21.5) higher in cows with repeat breeding that without repeat breeding. Moreover, the sero-prevalence of brucellosis was significantly higher (Odds ratio: 15.7; 95% CI: 5.2-47.4) in cows with retention of fetal membranes than without retention of fetal membranes. Conclusions: The prevalence of Brucella infection in smallholder dairy farms with no adaptation of any preventive measures against this disease in Bangladesh. The sero-prevalence of brucellosis recorded in this study should be interpreted with caution and confirmatory diagnosis is needed to know the accurate status of brucellosis in smallholder dairy farms. The prevalence of Brucella infection in smallholder farms by using sero-test and milk ring test warrants further molecular test prior to embarking on a control program.

Assessing Lactation Curve Characteristics of Dairy Cows Managed under Contrasting Husbandry Practices and Stressful Environments in Tanzania

The ability of smallholder dairy farming systems (SHDFS) to achieve desirable lactation-curve characteristics is constrained or reduced by environmental stresses. Under stressful production environments in the tropics, the better lactation-curve characteristics in smallholder dairy farms are a result of improved dairy genetics and husbandry practices. Better husbandry practices improve animal health and welfare status, which is important to sustain SHDFS in the tropics where dairy cattle are constantly exposed to multiple environmental stresses of feed scarcity, disease infections and heat load. In this case, lactating cows in smallholder dairy farms labelled positive deviants are expected to express lactation curve characteristics differently from typical farms, regardless of the stress levels confronted. Thus, this study tested this hypothesis with Holstein–Friesian and Ayrshire cows in two milksheds in Tanzania classified them into low-and high-stress environments. A two-factor nested research design was used, with farm (positive deviant and typical) nested within the environment. Positive deviant farms were farms that performed above the population average, attaining ≥0.35 Mcal NEL/d energy balance, ≥6.32 L/cow/day milk yield, ≤1153.28 days age at first calving, ≤633.68 days calving interval and ≤12.75 per 100 animal-years at risk disease-incidence density. In this study, a total of 3262 test-day milk production records from 524 complete lactations of 397 cows in 332 farms were fitted to the Jenkins and Ferrell model to estimate lactation curve parameters. In turn, the outcome parameters a and k were used to estimate lactation curve characteristics. The lactation curve characteristic estimates proved the study hypothesis. Regardless of the stress levels, cows in positive deviant farms expressed lactation curve characteristics differently from cows managed in typical farms. The scale (a) and shape (k) parameters together with peak yield and time to peak yield indicated higher lactation performance in positive deviant farms than in typical farms under low- and high-stress environments (p < 0.05). Lactation persistency was higher in positive deviants than typical farms by 14.37 g/day and 2.33 g/day for Holstein–Friesian cows and by 9.91 g/day and 2.16 g/day for Ayrshire cows in low- and high-stress environments. Compared to cows managed in typical farms, cows in positive deviant farms attained higher lactation performance under low- and high-stress; Holstein–Friesian produced 50.2% and 36.2% more milk, respectively, while Ayrshire produced 52.4% and 46.0% more milk, respectively. The higher milk productivity in positive deviant farms can be associated with the deployment of husbandry practices that more effectively ameliorated feed scarcity, heat load and disease infections stresses, which are prevalent in tropical smallholder dairy farms.

Evidence-Based Design Process for Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture Interventions: A Case Study of the Advancing Local Dairy Development Programme in Nigeria.

Nigeria is a significant contributor to the global burden of chronic undernutrition in children under 5 years of age. The undernutrition challenge constrains the productivity of rural households. This study was carried out among beneficiaries of the productivity-enhancing Nigerian Dairy Development Programme (NDDP) to guide incorporation of nutrition into the successor program-Advancing Local Dairy Development in Nigeria (ALDDN). Therefore, this study contributes to the literature about operationalizing nutrition-sensitive agricultural frameworks. The study sought to determine potential entry points for improving the nutrition of smallholder dairy farmers (≤ 5 milk cows) with a focus on food system entry points. Primary data were collected from 514 smallholder dairy households in Oyo and Kano states of Nigeria. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Quantitative data collected included minimum dietary diversity for women, nutrition status, and socioeconomic characteristics of households. Qualitative data included information about sources of food, markets, and other food system characteristics. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools and correlation analysis, while common themes were identified from qualitative data. The study showcased men's important role in food purchase and consumption, particularly in Kano. Increasing opportunities and the ability of women to use nutrition education appeared necessary for translating knowledge into improved practices. The own consumption (i.e., the portion of the milk kept for households' consumption as well as diversification of foods produced for consumption); income; women's empowerment; and environmental sanitation pathways seemed to be the most feasible pathways for improving nutrition within the context of the study population.