Traditional Milking Hygiene Practices and their Effect on Raw Milk Quality of Rural Small-Scale Dairy Farmers in Kwa-Hlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

This study examines the impact of traditional hygienic milking practices employed by rural small-scale dairy farmers on the quality of raw milk. While advancements in technology have revolutionized hygienic milk production methods for both small- and large-scale farmers, rural small-scale milk producers, particularly in countries like Zimbabwe, continue to rely heavily on hand milking as their primary method of milk harvesting. To investigate this issue, a convergent parallel mixed research approach was utilized, involving face-to-face interviews with 53 selected rural small-scale dairy farmers using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive, frequency, chi-square, and cross-tabulation analyses. The findings revealed that participants aged 50 and above constituted the majority (58.5%) and were more likely to report low income. Additionally, households with 8 to 11 members (38%) and those with no formal education (18.9%) were also more likely to report low income. Several parameters were identified as significantly affecting milk quality (p < 0.05), including hand washing after milking, back leg tying, washing of milking utensils, use of towels, teat dipping, milking when sick, covering of milk, mixing of fresh and old milk, and lack of milk pasteurization before consumption. The study concludes that traditional hygiene practices contribute to milk contamination by rural small-scale dairy farmers, compromising the quality of raw milk. To support these farmers, interventions such as the provision of a dairy extension officer, practical workshops, incentives, entrepreneurial skills training, and farmer-to-farmer visits are recommended.