Characteristics of [dairy] cattle farms in the vicinity of Mogadishu, Somalia.

Abstract

Dairy herds on 30 farms near Mogadishu had 1-15 cows (av. 5.4 ± 2.88), mainly Dauara (Garre) but with some Boran. Of the farms 90% used natural service; calving interval averaged 16.2 ± 4.2 months. Only 7% selected cows on genetic potential for milk yield, most selected on colour or appearance. Feeding was based on a mixture of forage and concentrates, primarily maize, sorghum and sesame oilmeal; 30% pastured cows in good seasons. Cows were milked twice daily, generally without udder massage but after lubricating the teats with water, milk, saliva or fats. Daily milk yield averaged 3.9 ± 1.2 l with 5.3 ± 1.4 l in peak lactation. Lactations averaged 10.2 ± 1.9 months. Calves suckled their dams after milking and consumed on average 2.1 ± 0.9 l milk daily in the first 60 days of life. Milk not consumed on the farm was turned into butter or butter oil, or on some farms into cream and skim milk. Most liquid milk sold went to private retailers who paid about twice as much as the central distributor. Main diseases in the herds were trypanosomiasis, pleuropneumonia and staphylococcal mastitis. About 50% of farmers employed other people, working for an average of 0.41 ± 0.3 h/animal. Most farmers are ex-nomads and had not made use of advisory services. Methods of improving milk production, supply and quality are discussed.