Improving milk safety at farm-level in an intensive dairy production system: relevance to smallholder dairy producers

Objective: This paper discusses methods for improving milk safety in smallholder dairying. Methodology: Analyzing best practices/experiences of selected countries and Ethiopian dairy farming as a case study (household survey and milk testing). Results: The coliform count was slightly higher than European standard. The value of total bacterial count found was higher than the standard of bacteriological quality of milk. Somatic Cell count is slightly higher than US standard, but it is in the range of the EU standard. Moreover, there were other associated challenges facing dairy farmers, including shortage of feed concentrate and water, milk marketing, health of dairy stock, and manure management. Some better practices were also observed including literacy and dairying experience of smallholder dairy producinghouseholds. Despite this, increased availability of some dairy stakeholders and their efforts would also be an added advantage. The efforts of private veterinarians to engage in provision of drugs and on-call home-treatment for stall-fed cows were good, but this needs to be complemented with laboratory based-diagnostic/clinical and advisory services prevent diseases. Conclusion: Improvement of milk safety can be achieved through good management practices by dairy farmers, market incentives, and increased efforts of various stakeholders and the adoption of best practices. In this regard, a coordinated action involving all stakeholders is needed to implement preventative/control measures, quality management strategies, and appropriate regulation while supporting and building capacity of smallholder dairy producers to minimize risks associated with milk production.