Critical Milk Quality Parameters Influencing Milk Quality Management in Selected Dairy Facilities in Mbarara District, Uganda. A cross-sectional study.

James Asiimwe; Sudi; Cosmas

doi:10.51168/aq23yx85

Autori

James Asiimwe Faculty of Agriculture, Environmental Science, And Technology, Bishop Stuart University
Sudi Faculty of Agriculture, Environmental Science, And Technology, Bishop Stuart University
Cosmas Faculty of Agriculture, Environmental Science, And Technology, Bishop Stuart University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/aq23yx85

Cuvinte cheie:

Critical milk quality parameters, Milk quality management, Dairy facilities in Mbarara District

Rezumat

Introduction

Agriculture remains an important sector of Uganda's economy and a major source of livelihoods, food, and household income. This study aims to identify the critical milk quality parameters affecting milk quality management in selected dairy facilities in Mbarara District, Uganda.

Methodology

This study employed a mixed-methods research design combining qualitative and quantitative approaches within an action research framework. The study population consisted of approximately 1,000 dairy stakeholders in Mbarara District, including farmers, collection centre staff, transporters, and processors. Surveys and questionnaires. Primary data were collected using a closed-ended questionnaire.

Results

Butterfat content was identified as a key determinant of milk quality, with 72.0% of respondents acknowledging its importance in pricing and processing decisions. Milk with butterfat levels below 3.2% was frequently rejected by processors. Solid-not-fat was identified as a critical parameter, with 65.0% of respondents indicating awareness of its importance. Milk with SNF levels below 8.3% was often downgraded or rejected. 80.0% of respondents reported that high bacterial counts frequently resulted in milk rejection. The main causes of contamination included poor hygiene during milking, use of unclean containers, and delays in transportation. Temperature control was found to be critically inadequate across the dairy value chain: 85.0% of respondents lacked access to proper cooling facilities, resulting in milk being stored and transported at temperatures above the recommended 4°C.

Conclusions

Butterfat content, solid-not-fat, bacterial contamination, and temperature control are confirmed as the critical parameters governing milk quality management in Mbarara District, with hygiene- and cold-chain-related parameters (bacterial load and temperature) presenting the more urgent and widespread deficiencies relative to compositional parameters.

Recommendations

Regulatory and extension agencies should intensify farmer training on milking hygiene, container sanitation, and basic pre-sale quality testing.

Biografii autori

James Asiimwe, Faculty of Agriculture, Environmental Science, And Technology, Bishop Stuart University

is a master's student in Business Information Technology at Bishop Stuart University.
Sudi, Faculty of Agriculture, Environmental Science, And Technology, Bishop Stuart University

is a supervisor at the Faculty of Agriculture, Environmental Science, and Technology, Bishop Stuart University.
Cosmas, Faculty of Agriculture, Environmental Science, And Technology, Bishop Stuart University

is a supervisor at the Faculty of Agriculture, Environmental Science, and Technology, Bishop Stuart University.

Referințe

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