Milk Quality and Hygiene: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Dairy Farmers in Senegal

This study assessed milk hygiene and quality in Senegal’s Matam, Louga, and Saint Louis regions by examining socioeconomic, demographic, and dairy farming practices. Using a cross-sectional survey with 158 dairy farmers, findings highlighted an aging population (average age 52.4 in Matam) and significant female involvement (91.8%) in dairy activities. However, 83.54% of farmers lacked formal education, limiting milk hygiene knowledge. Despite over 30 years of experience for many, production remained low, with 44.9% producing just 1–4 liters daily.

Milk hygiene knowledge and practices were inadequate. Only 20.3% understood zoonotic diseases, 72.8% were unaware of mastitis tests, and 55.7% ignored milk quality testing. Disinfection was rare (96.2% skipped teat disinfection), and refrigeration was uncommon (83.4%). Good practices included pre-milking handwashing (98.1%) and discarding of spoiled milk (76%).

Key hygiene determinants included water treatment and discarding contaminated milk, which improved quality indices. Literacy was associated with post-production practices, while production systems influenced safe handling and storage. Factors like age, gender, and veterinary services had minimal impact on milk quality and hygiene. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to enhance knowledge, hygiene practices, and infrastructure, leveraging women’s contributions and farmers’ experience to improve milk quality and safety in Senegal’s dairy sector.