• Dr. A.M.L. DHILRUKSHI
• Prof.INDIRA WICKRAMASINGHE

The dairy industry is a significant sector in Sri Lanka, with a longstanding tradition of producing various dairy products. Despite this, the perception of liquid milk remains low, and most dairy farming is conducted on a small scale. This study aims to evaluate the quality of milk and the implementation of good farming practices among small-scale Jersey cow farmers in the Haldummulla Divisional Secretariat Area, Uva Province. A sample of 40 farms, selected randomly from 750 registered Jersey cow farms, was studied. Milk samples were collected and analyzed for fat, protein, lactose, and solid non-fat (SNF) content using standardized methods. Additionally, a questionnaire assessed farming practices in areas such as animal health, milking hygiene, nutrition, animal welfare, environmental management, and socioeconomic factors. Results showed that the average milk fat content was 4.3 ± 0.95%, protein 2.66 ± 0.13%, lactose 3.97% ± 0.30, and SNF 7.2 ± 0.52%. These values were below the referenced literature values, with only 42.5% of farms meeting the minimum fat content. Good farming practices were inconsistently applied, with significant deficiencies in animal welfare and worker cleanliness. Notably, a significant correlation was found between milk fat content and cows’ water intake (P=0.003) and mineral supplementation (P=0.04). The study concludes that the overall milk quality from Jersey cows in this region is subpar compared to international standards, primarily due to inadequate farming practices. Immediate interventions are necessary to enhance milk quality and educate farmers on best practices.

Milk Quality, Good farming practice, Jersey Cows, Milk composition, Fat percentage

"Evaluation of the good farming practices and the quality of cows’ milk of small scale cattle farmers in Haldummulla Divisional Secretariat Area, Uva Province,Sri Lanka", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 6, page no.j739-j742, June-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2406980.pdf

"Evaluation of the good farming practices and the quality of cows’ milk of small scale cattle farmers in Haldummulla Divisional Secretariat Area, Uva Province,Sri Lanka", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 6, page no. ppj739-j742, June-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2406980.pdf