Biosecurity and milk production among smallholder dairy farmers in Rwanda : effects on child nutrition and prevention of zoonotic diseases

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Abstract
Animal-source foods like milk are important for the growth and development of young children, especially in developing countries. However, Rwanda faces challenges related to low milk yield and quality, impacting both dairy production and public health. This thesis investigated the factors affecting milk production and quality on smallholder dairy farms in Rwanda’s Northern Province, aiming to improve food security, nutrition, and livelihoods of poor households. The field research involved collecting cow’s milk and children’s faecal samples from 156 households with lactating cows for laboratory analysis. The results showed that 12.9% of milk samples contained antibiotic residues, and 34.2% had somatic cell counts exceeding 300,000 cells/ml, a marker of poor milk quality. Salmonella spp. was found in 25.6% of milk samples, while E. coli strains were most prevalent in children's faecal samples. No identical pathogens were found in both milk and faecal samples from the same households. Factors influencing milk yield included feeding practices, cattle breeds, milking frequency, body condition, and parity. Interestingly, farm management practices did not significantly affect the presence of pathogens in milk samples, though household hygiene practices were associated with pathogens in children’s faecal samples. Anthropometric measurements of 601 children showed that 27% were stunted, with a higher prevalence among boys (33.8%) than girls (20.9%). Statistical analysis identified several factors contributing to stunting, including livestock ownership and household income. These findings emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary approach to improve milk production and quality. Such interventions could help address child malnutrition and enhance food security, nutrition, and livelihoods in Rwanda's rural areas.

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