BREAST HEALTH ASSESSMENTS, HYGIENE, TECHNICAL AND  TECHNOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF TRAFFICKING IN TWO LARGE FARMS  CATTLE (TUNISIAN SAHEL)

I HAMED; Y M‟SADAK

I HAMED Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott Mariem, BP 47, CP 4042, Université de Sousse, Tunisi
Y M‟SADAK Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott Mariem, BP 47, CP 4042, Université de Sousse, Tunisie

Keywords: Dairy cow, individual cell count, udder health, mechanical milking, semi arid environment

Abstract

The aim of the study is to evaluate the individual cell counts (CCI) as well as the milking conditions in large dairy farms in Sousse, which is a semi-arid coast zone of Tunisia. That‟s why, a sample composed of two dairy herds that included 154 lactating dairy cows, was submit ted to udder health review and also to hygienic, technical and technological evaluations. It comes out, particularly, that the arithmetic average (MA) of the dairy cows‟ CCI of the entire sample is 371000 Cell. /mL, which is relatively high. The descriptiv e investigation of CCI showed that 82% of CCI are inferior to 300000 Cell. /mL, according to the standards applied in France and Tunisia, and 75% of CCI are inferior to 200000 Cell. /mL, according to the canadian standard. The examination of milking procedure showed that a lot of hygienic practices were not respected. Despite the availability of necessary equipment for good milking practices, in most cases, the milkers opt for the bad habits. However, the hygiene of milking parlor and chiller room was almost respected. The partial check of milking systems using the Pulsator Testor revealed vacuum and pulsation parameters irregularities. In fact, the inspection results of one the farms showed vacuum levels and pulsation rates that exceeded the standards in almost all the milking posts. However, the other farm installation was accepted, due to his recent surrender in good condition.