ANALYSISOF MILKING CONDITIONS IN NON-GRAZING CATTLE HERDSIN THE CRADLE DAIRY OF MAHDIA (TUNISIA)

Y M’SADAK; A KRICHI; I. HAMED; K. KRAIEM

Y M’SADAK EnseignantChercheur, Equipement des Fermes Laitières, Université de Sousse, Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott-Mariem, BP 47-CP 4042, Tunisie.
A KRICHI Ingénieur, Production Animale, Université de Sousse, Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott-Mariem, BP 47-CP 4042, Tunisie
I. HAMED EtudiantChercheur, Agriculture Durable, Université de Sousse, Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott-Mariem, BP 47-CP 4042, Tunisie.
K. KRAIEM EnseignantChercheur, Production Bovine Laitière, Université de Sousse, Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott-Mariem, BP 47-CP 4042, Tunisie

Keywords: Dairy cattle, non-grazingbreeding, milking site, milking machine, hygiene, functioning testing

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess hygienic, technical and technological conditions of dairy milking to evaluate later their impact on cow’s health in non-grazingcattle herds in semi-arid. The study was achieved on a sample of 48 small herds in the region of Boumerdes, the cradle dairy of Mahdia (The Tunisian Sahel).The hygienic and technical monitoring of milking sites had affected the entire sample of farmers. The visual examination and partial testing of the 39adopted milking machines was implemented toappreciate theirchosen technology and maintaining in working.It is clear fromthe evaluation ofsitesthatthe majority of farmersensuremilkingin calm conditionsrespectingthe rapid and the complete milking. However, 43% of farmerscleancows’ teats before milking, 42% don’twipe cow’s udder,71%do not control foremilkbefore milking andallbreedersare unaware ofteats disinfectionafter milking.In addition, morethan half of thefarmers don’t practice ahygienicmilking. The sampleof milking machinesshowedthat 14% ofthemdo not respond theminimumrequiredpower, andthe minimum capacityto50kPais consistent, regardless of the vacuum pump. Allmilking machinesare equipped with apneumatic pulsator, but only 18% of them had a pulse frequencyaccording tothe standard. Thepartialtestingshowed that 29% of machineshad vacuum milking was below standard, and the majorityof pulsators (79%)were defective.