Abstract

Milk is an integrated dietary concern in Bangladesh because of nutritional and socioeconomic initiatives. Sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) is one of the major challenges in drying management due to multidimensional obstacles. Proper dairy hygiene is one of the best initiatives to minimize the risk of SCM. This cross-sectional study was designed to understand the dairy hygiene status in Bangladesh linking to SCM epidemiology. A total of 382 dairy farm data from Baghabari milk belt of Bangladesh were analyzed to understand hygiene practicing pattern, gap from standard and challenges for it. 61.5% of medium-sized farms outperformed others in terms of biosecurity. Around 50% farms were monitored by veterinarian but few practiced cattle hygiene (46.1%) and milkers’ hygiene (49.5%) respectively. Among the environmental factors, above 95% farms were moderate to well-ventilated and lightened where most of the farms were highly humid with satisfactory waste management and fly controlling measures. In correlation analysis, a strong association was noted in the sociodemographic characteristics of dairy cow hygiene and very strong association among dairy cattle hygiene, milkers’ hygiene and environmental factors. An effective and sustainable code of conduct for dairying management is highly needed not only for reducing sub-clinical mastitis but also promoting safe milk production in Bangladesh.

Key words: Milk, Sub-clinical mastitis, Dairy farm hygiene, Dairy code of conduct