Utilization, Post-Harvest Handling and Hygienic Practices of Goat Milk in Dollo Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia.

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Dollo zone of Somali Region, Ethiopia, to assess handling and hygienic practices associated with goat milk production. 156 households were purposefully selected using a stratified sampling method. Data were gathered through questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. The majority of sampled households were illiterate. Goats were typically housed in open kraals made of thorny acacia trees with earthen floors and no roofs. Milking was done inside these kraals, sometimes resulting in contamination from muck and animal dung. Most respondents did not wash their hands or the udders of the goats before milking, indicating a lack of awareness about sanitary milk production practices. Plastic equipment, which is challenging to clean and have potential to contribute to milk contamination, was frequently employed. Only 78.2% of households in Warder and 65.1% in Galladi districts cleaned their milk vessels regularly. Smoking milk-handling equipment with plant species such
as Acacia ethaica, Blanites galabra, and Solanum Carense was a common practice aimed at extending shelf life and improving the flavor and aroma. The main challenges identified in ensuring hygienic goat milk production were poor barn hygiene, inadequate production procedures, diseases, access to clean water for washing, and a lack of extension services. Overall, the study concluded that handling and hygiene practices associated with goat milk production in the area were unsatisfactory, primarily due to the community’s low awareness and knowledge, as well as inadequate infrastructure support. The study recommends prioritizing improvement in hygienic practices through various development interventions, including raising awareness among milk producers, improving goat health, and providing necessary resources for milk handling.