Assessment of Smallholder Dairy Production Practice, Milk Handling and Marketing in Kombolcha District, East Hararghe Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study assessed dairy production practices, milk handling, and marketing systems in Kombolcha district, Oromia, based on data from 154 smallholder dairy farmers across three kebeles (Qaqalli, Eeguu, and Bilisumma). The average number of dairy cows per household was 2.32 ± 0.07 (P < 0.05). Feed sources in the dry season included crop residues and wheat bran, which accounted for 70.1 %, 73.5 %, and 74.6 % of total feed in Qaqalli, Eeguu, and Bilisumma, respectively. Stall feeding was the predominant feeding system, practiced by 89.1 %, 89.8 %, and 88.1 % of households. The average daily milk yield and lactation period for indigenous cows were 1.99 ± 0.08 liters and 7.21 ± 0.10 months, while for crossbred cows, these were 5.58 ± 0.36 liters and 9.70 ± 0.24 months (P > 0.05). Most farmers (83.8 %) milked their cows twice a day. Water sources for dairy cattle were predominantly wells or groundwater (76.1 % in Qaqalli, 77.6 % in Eeguu, and 84.7 % in Bilisumma), with nearly all respondents watering their animals at home. Most households cleaned barns daily (95.7 % in Qaqalli, 89.8 % in Eeguu, and 83.1 % in Bilisumma). Plastic equipment was used for milking (54.3 % in Qaqalli, 55.1 % in Eeguu, and 67.8 % in Bilisumma). Most respondents cleaned milking equipment with cold water and Ajax/leaves before milking. Most respondents used plastic containers for milk storage, with 2 % in Eeguu and 5.1 % in Bilisumma using clay pots. Key challenges include scarcity of land, feed, improved breed and AI services, disease problem and shortage of water. Addressing these constraints through targeted interventions is vital.