Dairy production in urban and periurban area of Extrême-Nord in Cameroon: milk yield and microbial contamination

Local dairy production plays a very important role in developing countries in order to promote the health status of the population. To determine the weight and the hygiene level of milk products, available in the market of the capital city of the Extrême-Nord region, a survey on the milk yield and microbial contamination was developed. Milk samples from 89 dairy farmers in the urban and periurban area of Maroua, divided in 11 groups, matching the Groupe d’Initiative Commune (groups of common interest - GICs), were analyzed for yield, pH value, temperature, density and microbial contamination. The belonging to the different groups of farmers had a statistical influence on milk quantity and density, according to the feed availability. As well the season had an influence on all the quality and quantity parameters. The time and season of delivery affected significantly the milk quality, instead no influence was attributed to the microbial contamination. The results of this survey showed an adequate qualitative level of the local milk production, which may be improved with a higher feeding system and with a better organisation of the delivery