Assessment of Management and Major Health Problems in Urban and Peri- urban Dairy Farms of Mekelle, North Ethiopia

Abstract

The present cross-sectional study was conducted in urban and peri-urban dairy farms of Mekelle, with the objectives of assessing the major management and health problems of dairy cows, and the awareness level of farm workers on good farm management practices in selected dairy farms in and around Mekelle. Accordingly, a total of 201 respondents were interviewed from a total of 67 dairy farms. Results of socio-demographic survey of respondents indicated that majority of the dairy farms were of open-air type (81.0%), and they were classified as small (65.7%), medium 
(22.4%) and large (11.9%) scale farms. Moreover, 64.2% of the respondents were males; of different educational levels (illiterate=11.4%, elementary=32.8%, high school=51.8%, and diploma and above= 4.0%) and farm work experiences, majority being with > 5 years of farm experience (54.2%). Although majority of the dairy farm workers (91.1%) use mixed feed type, 80.1% failed to explain the recommended proportion of the mix used. Animal feed shortages (30.3%), disease (29.4%) and market problems (27.4%) were the main challenges faced by respondents hindering their sustainability. Several health problems in the study farms including 
external parasitosis, lameness, diarrhea, respiratory and wound problems, mange, and pneumonia in their orders were identified. Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) between health management, feeding frequency and feed type and respondents´ farm work experiences and their educational backgrounds. However, no significant relation (P>0.05) was found between the feed type used and their work experience. In general, the overall knowledge level and management practices of the farm workers was found to be not satisfactory, and farm 
workers need to thrive for a better skill and sustainability of the sector.