Farm practices affect milk production, quality and losses in Kenya

Postharvest milk losses (PHL) occur as a result of altered milk quality which may reduce volumes of milk marketed, hence economic value. Farm level PHL can occur at milking, pooling, evening storage or at the farm gate delivery. Many factors potentially causing PHL are associated with farm practices but there is knowledge gap on extent of contribution of those potential causes to PHL. This may inform targeted interventions for reducing the resulting loss of income, food and nutrition for producers, entrepreneurs and consumers. The study determined the influence of current and improved farm level practices on milk yield, milk quality and intra-mammary infections. Data was collected through cross sectional surveys, on-farm sampling of milk and feeds for quality, microbiological laboratory tests and on-farm interventions to improve feeding and milk quality.