Abstract

Microbiological Survey and Appraisal of Local Milk Production in Kwara and Niger State, Nigeria

Okeke KS, Makun, H. A, Damisa, D, Akoma O

The study appraised Information regarding the demographic data, milk production practices, cattle feeds management, transportation and marketing of milk products. A well-structured questionnaire and field observations was used to collect data from local milk producers with lactating cows and vendors from Niger and Kwara State. There was a great variation in dairy production practises across the two states. Result indicates that more than 70% of respondents were females below 20years of age. The respondents were mostly Fulani 80%-100%, across the two States. In terms of Educational qualifications, 90%-100% of the Pastoralists in all the LGAs did not attend Western education. The use of bottles in marketing of milk products was observed in Agaie LGA. Eight out of ten LGAs surveyed revealed 45%-100% no sanitary inspector visitation or inspection of their milk product. This study presents findings that could be used for planning strategies for standardization of processing methods of dairy products and forming of policies that can lead to the improvement of the dairy industry as well as public health safety

Published Date: 2016-10-03;