Abstract

Managerial and financial abilities are amongst factors that contribute to profitability and survivability of small-scale farmers. Some rural and peri-urban areas have not adapted up to date milking techniques and hand milking is still the preferred method, especially for families that own one to six cows. Efficient milking techniques and impeccable hygiene standards are essential and the aim of the study was to determine the nature and extent of managerial, personal and milking practices of small-scale farmers in a typical South African peri-urban area. The questionnaire survey also provided a means of determining the level of understanding of the respondents in terms of milk handling, milking practice, animal health, as well as what kind of structures were used and the respondents’ knowledge with regard to personal and general hygiene. It was found that the respondents were not accustomed to the clinical and sub-clinical signs of mastitis and were reluctant to associate their cattle with any illness. The general hygiene knowledge of the respondents was good and all respondents were aware that the cattle’s health status can affect milk quality. The lack of proper herd management contributed to very low milk yield, unhealthy cows and a generally undesirable milking infrastructure.

Key words: Milk practices, small-scale farmers, milk quality, hygiene, dairy management, dairy farming.