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© 2024 by the authors; licensee Asian Online Journal Publishing Group 
 

Agriculture and Food Sciences Research 
Vol. 11, No. 2, 65-75, 2024 

ISSN(E) 2411-6653/ ISSN(P) 2518-0193 
DOI: 10.20448/aesr.v11i2.6167 

© 2024 by the authors; licensee Asian Online Journal Publishing Group 

 
 

 
 
 
Inventory of the risks of contamination of milk from the neighbourhoods in 
traditional farms in the Poro region in Côte d'ivoire 

 
Frederic Harding Kouaho1   

Abdoulaye Toure1   

Abdoulaye Soumana Gouro2   

  
( Corresponding Author) 

 
1,2Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, BP 10896 Niamey, Niger. 
1Email: hardingkouaho@gmail.com 
1Email: tourabdoulaye@yahoo.fr 
1Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Agroresources and Natural Substances, University Peleforo 
Gon Coulibaly, BP 1328 Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire. 
2Email: abdoulayegouro@yahoo.fr 

 

 
Abstract 

This study, which highlights the situation of dairy farms as well as their development prospects, 
took place from May to October 2022 in the Poro region of Côte d'Ivoire. And focused on the 
sociodemographic, zootechnical and health characteristics of 45 traditional farms with a total of 
360 dairy cows. Trade, the main activity for 51.1% of the owners, followed by agriculture 31.11%, 
for 88.88% of the indigenous Senufo herders and 93.33% are non-indigenous Fulani. Feed is 
pasture for 75.6% and 24.44% of farmers providing a feed supplement. The age of first calving is 
between 3 and 4 years old or 5 to 6 years old. Cows that calved the most at the age of 4 years by 
46.51% compared to those calved 3 years ago 30.23%, 5 years 19.77% and 6 years 3.49% at the 
regional level. The frequency of milking per season varies significantly from 0.5 litres/day to 15 
litres/day depending on the breeds observed (P<0.05). The main parasitic diseases are 
Trypanosomiasis 28.88%, a bi-infection (Safa (foot-and-mouth disease), Bovine Nodular 
Cutaneous Skin Disease (BNCSD)) 20% and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) 
13.30%. For 80% of farmers, the prevalence of clinical mastitis is 60% and 20% estimate the 
prevalence of subclinical mastitis to be 40%. The milk is harvested by the Fulani and 33.33% sell 
the milk to wholesalers in each department of the Poro region. The amount of unsold milk 22.22% 
filtered for some, boiled (10 to 15 minutes). This study highlights a lack of hygiene during 
milking and on farms. It is therefore important to carry out mastitis screening actions in 
traditional dairy farms in the Poro region and to structure it. 

 
Keywords: Dairy cow, Farm situation, Ivory Coast, Mastitis. 

 
Citation | Kouaho, F. H., Toure, A., & Gouro, A. S. (2024). 
Inventory of the risks of contamination of milk from the 
neighbourhoods in traditional farms in the Poro region in Côte 
d’ivoire. Agriculture and Food Sciences Research, 11(2), 65–75. 
10.20448/aesr.v11i2.6167 
History:  
Received: 8 October 2024 
Revised: 11 November 2024 
Accepted: 18 November 2024 
Published: 29 November 2024 
Licensed: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons 

Attribution 4.0 License  
Publisher:  Asian Online Journal Publishing Group 
 

Funding: This research is Supported by Regional Center of Excellence on 
Pastoral Production: Milk, Meat, Hides and Skins (RCEPP). 
Institutional Review Board Statement: The Ethical Committee of the 
University Abdou Moumouni of Niamey, Niger has granted approval for this 
study on 7 November 2021 (Ref. No. BP 10896). 
Transparency: The authors confirm that the manuscript is an honest, 
accurate, and transparent account of the study; that no vital features of the 
study have been omitted; and that any discrepancies from the study as planned 
have been explained. This study followed all ethical practices during writing. 
Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing 
interests. 
Authors’ Contributions: Conceived, planned the experiments, performed the 
laboratory analyses, collected milk samples, processed cases and prepared the 
article, F.H.K.; helped with the orientation in the treatment of aspects, 
contribution to additional reference literature for the improvement of the 
article and final formatting, A.T.; contributed to the literature and directed the 
article, A.S.G. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the 
manuscript. 

 
Contents 
1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 66 
2. Materials and Methods ................................................................................................................................................................... 66 
3. Results ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 67 
4. Discussion .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 73 
5. Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 74 
References .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 75 
 

mailto:hardingkouaho@gmail.com
mailto:tourabdoulaye@yahoo.fr
mailto:abdoulayegouro@yahoo.fr
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
https://www.doi.org/10.20448/aesr.v11i2.6167
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8882-5419
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7963-3297
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0871-6014


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Contribution of this paper to the literature 
The study provides information on the practices used in traditional dairy farms, to inventory the 
risks associated with the contamination of milk in the neighborhoods and then provides information 
on the different diseases on the farms, which is special unlike other studies in this region. It also lays 
bare the values on the duration of treatment of the herd of the different farms. 

 

1. Introduction 
Côte d'Ivoire depends on the Sahelo-Sudan region for its supply of livestock meat [1]. Indeed, livestock 

farming plays a significant role in human nutrition through the production of milk and red meat in particular, and 
is a source of income for producers and farmers [2]. The deficit in animal protein, particularly in milk and dairy 
products, is a permanent problem facing Côte d'Ivoire. Its national production covers 51% of national meat 
consumption, and only 17% of that of milk and dairy products [3]. Thus, in order to meet its ever-increasing needs 
for milk and milk-derived products, the Ivorian state has opted for the development of the local milk sector [4]. 
The State, through donors, has financed various projects, including, among others, the African Development Bank 
(BAD)-livestock projects phase I and II, which saw the creation of 12 dairy cattle farms, and the southern dairy 
project financed by Belgian technical cooperation (BTC) [5]. With the aim of reducing its dependence on milk and 
bovine protein from Sahelian and European countries [2]which dependence gives rise to products that often do not 
comply with health requirements. However, despite all efforts, the results of improving milk production are mixed. 
If the quantity of local milk is insufficient, the hygienic and sanitary quality of the milk produced could be improved 
in order to make the local sector competitive. In addition, the decade of socio-political crisis has led to the absence 
of administration in certain areas, particularly the Savanes district, and would have led to the destructuring of 
achievements in cattle breeding [5]. Consequently, the dairy potential has been weakened due to the deterioration 
in the health status of farms, thus causing a resurgence of many diseases, particularly mastitis. It is therefore with 
the aim of taking stock of the situation with a view to setting up a dairy model in this region considered favorable 
to livestock farming that this study was established in traditional farms in the Poro region of Côte d'Ivoire. The 
objective of the work was to take stock of the risks of contamination of neighborhood milk in traditional farms in 
the Poro region of Côte d'Ivoire by applying survey sheets aimed at assessing the sociological characteristics of the 
actors, zootechnical characteristics of the farms, the hygiene and health conditions of the farms, as well as the 
circuit of collection, distribution, processing and trade of neighborhood milk. Based on this diagnosis, 
recommendations for improving dairy farming on farms at each farm visited in the Poro region are proposed. 

 

2. Materials and Methods 
Study Area: The region subject to this study is that of Poro, it is part of the Savannah District. The Savannah 

District is made up of four regions including that of Poro which are; the Tchologo, Bagoué and Kabadougou 

regions with a total area of 62,396 km².  

 
Figure 1. Map of the Poro region showing the different departments visited. 
Source: BNETD/CCT,2012 P:WGS 1984, zone 30N design and 

realization:KOUAHO F.Harding et Zie Mamadou OUATTARA, 2024 



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The Poro region is a territorial community in the north of Côte d'Ivoire whose name comes from the cultural 
practice of the people of this locality. It is located between 8°30 and 11° North latitude, 5° and 6° West longitude 
and covers a total area of 13,400 km². The relief of the Savannah District is characterized by its horizontal plane 
made of plains and plateaus, the monotony of which is broken, in places, by the appearance of chains of hills or 
rocky domes that vary between 400 and 600 m in altitude [6]. On the other hand, the hydrographic network of the 
Poro region is crossed by permanent watercourses such as the Bandama Blanc, the Badénou and the Bou [6]. 
However, the vegetation of this Sudanese sector is essentially made up of gallery forests, open forests and 
savannahs. The savannahs are wooded, shrubby and grassy and as for the sub-Sudanese sector, it is defined by a 
few islands of dense forests, sometimes humid [7]. The Poro region includes the departments of Korhogo, 
M'Bengué, Sinematiali and Dikodougou, with the city of Korhogo as its capital. In this region, the study was 
conducted in 45 localities spread across each department of the Poro region; we have the villages and the different 
sub-prefectures Figure 1. 
 

2.1. Material 
To facilitate the link between breeders and carry out this survey, it was a question of submitting a request to 

the regional management of MAFR (Ministries of Animal and Fisheries Resources) of Korhogo and the 
departmental directors of MAFR of the Poro region for technical input in the field by their agents. 
 

2.2. Methods 
The study conducted allowed the collection of data on breeding practices, milking management, feed used and 

the marketing of fresh milk. 
 

2.3. Sampling 
The farms studied are chosen randomly; these farms belong to indigenous people (natives) and non-indigenous 

people (foreigners), taking into account their availability to participate in the study. The survey covered 45 farms 
spread across the four (4) departments (Korhogo, Sinématiali, Dikodougou and M'Bengué) of the Poro region. 
 
2.4. Progress of the Investigation 

A survey with a single-pass questionnaire covering farms in the Poro region was conducted among breeders 
and owners. Its implementation required a pre-survey among technicians in the Poro region in order to select the 
farms constituting the object of study. The aim was to collect information intended to identify and characterize 
dairy production systems, the mode of evolution of the farms and the practices of breeders. Data were collected on 
the characteristics of the farms, on the health status of the herd during the study period, on the feeding of the 
animals, the hygiene conditions on the farm, the conditions of milking milk in order to determine the risk factors 
for contamination of milk at production. The identification of artisans, the circuit after milking cow's milk and 
dangerous practices were noted. Basically, the questionnaire took into account socio-demographic data, the 
zootechnical and health characteristics of the farms studied. 
 

2.5. Analysis of Survey Data 
Descriptive statistics were performed for all variables. In order to facilitate data interpretation, qualitative 

variables were reorganized into dichotomous variables after the fact. The survey forms were entered using the 
EXCEL 2016 spreadsheet and served as a statistical analysis tool. 95% confidence intervals were calculated for 
proportions [8]. The difference between variables was considered significant at p < 0.05. The variables of interest 
are presented in the form of frequency tables. 
 

3. Results 
3.1. Neighborhood Milk Production System 
3.1.1. Sociological characteristics 

The people questioned are mostly breeders (herdsmen) after, owners, as well as people who are both owners 
and managers in a small proportion. The owners of the farms visited are mostly 88.88% natives of the region are 
Senufo and mostly men. On the other hand, 93.33% of the breeders are non-natives (Peuls) who come either from 
Burkina-Faso, Mali and Niger. Agriculture, in particular that of cotton, cereals (corn, sorghum, fonio, rice) and 
peanuts is also an important activity (31.11%) of the breeders after that of trade 51.11%; owners who are mostly 
illiterate (Table 1). It is also observed that the majority of non-natives are breeders, breeders at the same time 
(farmers and traders) and civil servants who are turned to the activity (Figure 2). On the other hand, most of the 
natives are farmers. 

 

 
Figure 2. Presentation of the activity and ownership of the owners. 



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Table 1. Level of education and activity of owners of cattle farms. 

Study activity None Koranic Primary Secondary Superior Frequencies 

Breeders 2 2 1 0 0 5 (11.11%) 

Traders 7 6 4 6 0 23 (51.11%) 

Cultivators 3 4 2 5 0 14 (31.11%) 

Officials 0 0 0 2 1 3 (6.66%) 

Total 12 12 7 13 1 45 

 

3.2. Zootechnical Characteristics of Farms 
3.2.1. Racial Composition 

The survey in the forty-five (45) farms visited in the Poro region made it possible to identify five types of 
breeds (Baoulés, Méré, N'dama, Zébu and Métisse); three (03) of which have different phenotypes of cattle which 
constitute the livestock. And is made up of taurins (Bos taurus) (N'Dama, Baoulé), the Méré breed (cross between 
male Zebu and female Baoulé), zebus (Bos indicus) which is the cross between the Zebu ( Gobra x Goudali ) and 
crossbreeds resulting from crosses between zebus and taurins or the cross between ( local breeds x exotic breeds ), 
resulting from artificial insemination were observed in the department of M'Bengué [9]. The N'Dama is short on 
legs, a breed with long horns and no hump. The Baoulés are small cattle with a massive head and short horns. For 
the zebu, it is a large, robust animal with a hump and exists in red and light gray colors for the most part. The 
Méré is a small breed with a single color and has a hump without curvature. The mixed breed, for its part, comes 
from the cross between a local and exotic breed with different colors and a very thick shape presenting a 
significant milk production than other local breeds. The cattle raised in the region are mostly from other countries 
(Figure 2). 

 

3.2.2. Herd Composition 
The number of cows and calves in the parks was 844, the Table shows the number of animals by category 

according to sex and the number of calves by department. The percentage of animals present in each department is 
28.43% for Korhogo, 32.58% for Dikodougou, 29.97% for Sinématiali and finally 28.79% for M'Bengué. The farms 
visited have a workforce that varies from 26 to 200 heads of cattle (Table 2). 

 

3.2.3. Animal Feeding 
The feeding practice observed in the region by the breeders is mainly grazing 75.6% and this, for years. 

Compared to 24.44% of the herdsmen who bring surpluses in terms of food, purchased or produced on site (Table 
3). The frequency varies significantly according to the farms (P < 0.05). In some places, the herds are led to the 
pasture every morning by the herdsmen before sunrise then return only at nightfall and others lead to the pasture 
around 6 am and only return around 11 am or 2 pm (in order to increase their production). During the rainy 
season, the majority of breeders lead their herds to the classified forests (for those who have the means) to avoid 
disputes and fines between farmers in case the herd ravages a plantation. The distance traveled for grazing depends 
on the season. However, several breeders do not use salt crystals (Nacl) at the level of the region 88.88%. 

 

 
A : N'dama Race 

 
B: Baoulé Race 

 C: Zebu breed  D: Méré breed 



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E: Mixed race 

Figure 3. Shows the breeds of cows in the farms visited 
 

Table 2. Cow numbers by department and by category. 

Department Staff 

Farms visited Dairy cows Heifers 1st calving Veau Farms visited 

KORHOGO 12 96 16 22 106 KORHOGO 
DIKODOUGOU 9 72 23 12 87 DIKODOUGOU 
SINEMATIALI 12 96 33 24 100 SINEMATIALI 

M'BENGUE 12 96 17 28 102 M'BENGUE 
Total 45 360 89 86 395 Total 

 
Table 3. Feeding conditions for lactating dairy cows. 

Power Condition 
Variables 

Staff numbers of 
Farms (N= 45) 

% 95% CI 

Origin of the water used 
At the farm level 
(Here) 

Well 14 31.11 [24.4-38.3%] 
Pond 8 17.78 [6.2-27.8%] 
River 23 51.11 [36.5-65.5%] 

Salt crystals (NACL) 
(Absent) 

NACL 40 88.88 [78.5-97.5%] 

Food practice 
At the herd level 
(Here) 

Pasture 34 75.56 [62.4-87.6%] 
Food supplement 
(Cotton cake, cassava 
peel, corn bran, rice 
bran, sorghum, etc.) 

11 24.44 [11.6-36.4%] 

Note: CI : Confidence interval; N = Number of farms where the variables are observed 

 

3.3. Management and Productivity of Cattle Farms 
3.3.1. Stable Productivity 

The results obtained concern productivity, it is based on the data obtained at the level of the questions asked to 
the breeders of the Poro region. However, the data were obtained according to the experience of the herdsmen who 
made predictions on the average age at first calving and the months of lactation of the calf. The herdsmen 
interviewed (84.44%) estimate that the primiparous is between 3 years or even 4 years normally and this depends 
on the feeding of the herd (Table 4). Because, we could not observe primiparous cows of 5 to 6 years in farms in the 
Poro region see table. This table shows that in the Poro region, the cows that have calved the most at 4 years 
40/86 are more numerous than those who calved 3 years ago 26/86, 5 years 17/86 and 6 years 3/86 at the level of 
the region. 

 

3.3.2. Milk Production 
Most of the time, milking is done once a day early in the morning for each cow. Calves are separated from dairy 

cows, when they return from the pasture to the cattle pen. The majority of shepherds (95.55%) milk for years early 
in the morning (around 6 am and 7 am). However, they admit that milk production obtained per cow during the 
dry season remains low compared to that of the rainy season and according to the breeds observed (Table 5). The 
frequency of milk per season varies significantly according to the breeds observed (P < 0.05). The milk obtained 
remains for the herdsmen after production, the milk is packaged in plastic cans or plates with capacities varying 
between 2 and 15 liters without being filtered for the most part (Table 5). In the presence of the calf, milking is 
carried out in unhygienic practices. 
 

3.3.3. Hygiene on Farms  
Among the farms visited during our survey, 24.44% of the farms are mud, 17.77% dry soil and 57.77% wet soil 

were observed. The frequency of soil scraping per year is 15.55% once a year, 40% 2 times a year and other 20%. 
However, the presence of fresh stools is 71.11% compared to its absence which is 28.89% observed in the region. 



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The frequency of the variables varies significantly according to the farms (P < 0.05). No milking hygiene was 
observed (hand washing before milking, cows' teat cleaned before milking and disinfection using alcohol) (Table 6 ). 

 
Table 4. Year of first calving in the different stables. 

Departments Cow of 3 years Cow of 4 years Cow of 5 years Cow of 6 years old Staff % 

KORHOGO 8 12 2 0 22 (25.59) 
SINEMATIALI 6 10 8 0 24 (27.90) 
DIKODOUGOU 4 4 3 1 12 (13.96) 
M'BENGUE 8 14 4 2 28 (32.55) 
Total 26 40 17 3 86 (100) 

 
Table 5. Quantity of milk production by breed according to seasons. 

Quantity of milk produced per 
season 

Mother N'dama Baoule Zebus Metis 

Dry season 1 to 2.5 liters 1 to 2 liters 0.5 to 1 liter 1.5 to 3 liters 6 to 8 liters 

Breeders' response 
8 

(17.77%) b 
14 (31.11%) a 

13 (28.88%) 
a 

8 
(17.77%) b 

2 
(4.44%) c 

Rainy season 1.5 to 4 liters 1.5 to 3 liters 1 to 2 liters 2 to 6 liters 10 to 15 liters 

Breeders' response 
11 

(24.44%) b 
10 (22.22%) b 

15 (33.33%) 
a 

7 
(15.55%) b 

2 
(4.44%) c 

95% CI dry season 4.5 12.5 10.6 4.5 7 
95% CI rainy season 6.4 5.3 13.9 3.3 7 

 
 

 
Table 6. Characteristics of the farms visited. 

Features Variables 
Staff numbers of 

farms 
(N= 45) 

% 95% CI 

Physical characteristics of the soil Mud 11 24.44 [11.6-36.4%] 
Dry soil 8 17.77 [6.2-27.8%] 
Wet ground 26 57.77 [43-71%] 

Presence of fresh stool Presence 32 71.11 [57.8-84.2%] 
Absence 13 28.89 [15-29.3%] 

Frequency of soil scraping 1 time per year 7 15.55 [25.7-54.3%] 
2 times a year 18 40 [29.5-58.5%] 
Other 20 44.45 [25.7-54.3%] 

Note: CI: Confidence interval; N = Number of farms where the variables are observed 

 

3.4. Health Situation of Farms 
3.4.1. Dominant Infections Observed in the Poro Region 

Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), trypanosome, dermatosis (BNCSD), safa (foot-and-mouth disease), soumaya-fi (black 
fever), symptomatic anthrax, hyperkeratosis; are the pathologies encountered in the Poro region (North of Ivory 
Coast). 

Parasitosis, especially trypanosomiasis (28.88%), is the dominant pathology in the region after the survey. It is 
followed by a bi-infection safa (foot-and-mouth disease) and bovine nodular skin disease (BNSD), which account for 
a significant proportion of 20% (Figure 4). Respiratory diseases, especially contagious bovine pleuropneumonia 
(CBPP), constitute the third most described pathology (13.30%) in the Poro region. This disease manifests itself 
clinically by dyspnea, contamination due to a heterogeneous assembly of animals and, in terms of lesions, 
hepatization of the lungs, which is subject to seizure after inspection at the slaughterhouse. On the other hand, a 
tri-infection (trypanosome, safa and CBPP) was also mentioned (11%) in the farms visited. This is followed by bi-
infections of 8.88% (CBPP and trypanosome) and 4.44% respectively of (CBPP and safa) followed by (safa and 
BNCSD). Dermatosis is a skin disease that can affect the entire body of the animal and has many symptoms (skin 
spots, redness, sweating, fungus, skin infection, skin discoloration and pimples). A local disease under the name of 
"Soumaya-fi 6.66%" which means "black fever" was mentioned. Symptomatic anthrax was reported in the 
department of Sinématiali of 2.22%, caused by ingestion of contaminated food and leads to acute inflammation of 
the intestinal tract. Symptoms include nausea, flesh turns black, loss of appetite, vomiting and fever followed by 
abdominal pain, vomiting blood and diarrhea. The symptoms described indicate a disease of unexpected onset that 
affects animals in good condition (well-fleshed bodies). It causes rapid weight loss of the animal. At the advanced 
stage of the pathology, mortality linked to the disease is low and there is no relapse despite the treatments applied 
(vaccination and others) on the farms. Therefore, on the instructions of the park manager, the breeders slaughter 
the sick animal because it is difficult to cure. General signs and certain diseases such as bellowing, aggressiveness, 
food deficiency and hyperkeratosis have been reported by the shepherds of the region. 
 

3.4.2. Medical Prevention 
At the level of the farms surveyed during the vaccination period, there were few farms that confirmed 

vaccinations (15.56%). Self-treatments carried out in the farms in the event of illness are (44.88%) (Table 7). On the 
other hand, some breeders questioned (55.12%) say they use private technicians or MAFR agents (Ministries of 
Animal and Fisheries Resources) to treat their animals. During the campaign or vaccination period by private 
veterinarians in the Poro region, some breeders say they received their herd vaccination twice (2) in the year, i.e. 
35.56%, others often, i.e. 28.88%, and for some once (1) in the year. The prevalence of the variables varies 
significantly depending on the farms (P<0.05). Private breeders are the only ones authorized to carry out 
treatments on animals in the Poro region. However, in the event of a shortage of private technicians, they ask for 

Note: NB: a, b and c proportions of the same column assigned different letters are significantly different. 



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help from technicians or agents of MAFR (Ministries of Animal and Fisheries Resources) to carry out the 
vaccination campaign. 
 

3.4.3. How Cows are Treated  
The survey in the forty-five (45) farms visited in the Poro region made it possible to identify the methods of 

treating cows, 18% do the treatment individually at the level of each cow, 82% in groups and none at the drying off 
is observed. On the other hand, the duration of treatment of sick cows is 88.89% from 2 to 3 days and 11.11% from 
1 to 2 weeks Table 8. However, the use of appropriate antibiotics was never observed in 51.11% of cases, often in 
31;11% and applied in 17.78% in the farms; treatment during milking was never observed in 60% of the farms, often 
in 28.89% of the farms and applied in 11.11% of the farms. The application of brands on animals was observed in 
17.78% of farms, often in 48.89% and never in 33.33% of farms. 
 

 
Figure 4. Different types of disease encountered in the exploitation of the Poro region. 

Note: Trypa = Trypanosome; CBPP=PPCB = Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia; Safa = Foot and mouth disease; CBNSD=DNCB= Contagious bovine 
nodular skin disease; Soumaya-fi = Black fever 
NB: Safa, soumaya-fi (Are vernacular names). 

 
Table 7. Prevention on farms. 

Vaccination Variables 
Staff numbers of 

farms 
(N=45) 

Prevalence% 95% CI 

After the vaccination period Treatment followed 25 55.55 a [33.3-76.9%] 

Self-medication 20 44.45 b [29.5-58.5%] 

During the vaccination period Often 13 28.88 a [15-29.3%] 
None 7 15.56 b [4.6-25.4%] 
2 times a year 16 35.56 a [21.1- 48.9%] 
1 time a year 9 20 b [8.3- 31.7%] 

Note: NB: a and b prevalences of the same column assigned different letters are significantly different. 

 
Table 8. Treatment of cows on farms by department. 

Variables Features Number of breeders N=45 % 

Duration of treatment 2 to 3 days 40 88.89 
1 to 2 weeks 5 11.11 

Use of appropriate antibiotics Never 23 51.11 
Often 14 31.11 
Application 8 17.78 

Treatment of cows during milking 
 

Never 27 60 

Often 13 28.89 
Application 5 11.11 

Marks on animals Never 15 33.33 
Often 22 48.89 
Application 8 17.78 

 

3.5. Mastitis Manifestation  
3.5.1. Clinical Mastitis 

Among the clinical and epidemiological criteria useful for the diagnosis of clinical mastitis  
, 78% of the farmers in the sample use the criterion of asymmetry of the quarters (Figure 5) and 84% use udder 
deformation. The definition of clinical mastitis also includes the notions of change in udder color and modification 
of the appearance of the milk for 49% and 41% of cases. For the majority of farmers 36% and 34% of the sample, 
during clinical mastitis, the udder presents a change in udder color, lesion of the teats hence inflammatory risk 
while this inflammation was not a criterion for 16% of them. For 80% of farmers after survey, estimate that the 
prevalence of clinical mastitis is greater than 60%. 

 



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3.5.2. Subclinical Mastitis 
subclinical criteria used for the diagnosis of subclinical mastitis, 91% of the sampled farmers use the criterion of 

quarter asymmetry, 96% use teat lesion and 89% use udder deformation. The definition of subclinical mastitis 
contains respectively the notions of change in udder colour, change in milk appearance in 75% and 76% of cases 
(Figure 6). For a minority of farmers (8% of the sample), during subclinical mastitis, the udder has a persistent 
imprint on the skin, while no observation was made at the CMT (California mastitis test) test level and skin 
mobility 0%. Additional examinations can be useful in this case for the diagnosis of mastitis; as the CMT test will 
be welcome on farms. After investigation, the minority of breeders questioned (20%) believe that the prevalence of 
subclinical mastitis (inflammations, skin sores, etc.) in dairy farms does not exceed 30%. 
 

3.5.3. Review of the First Drafts 
According to the questionnaire results, most of the breeders practice the elimination of the first jets in the farm 

(100%) in a traditional way (the calf suckles before any milking of the cow), and there is a lack of homogeneity (pus 
and lump) during milking in the farms visited. However, there is a presence of white color coloration in the milk of 
75.56% followed by a liquid viscosity 66.67% and a yellow color in 24.44% followed by a heavy viscosity 33.33% in 
the farms (Table 9). 

However, milk harvesting is carried out by Fulani people who often have family ties with the herdsmen. 
Indeed, 33.33% sell their milk to the main seller who collars motorcyclists (wholesalers) in each department of the 
Poro region (Korhogo, Dikodougou, M'bengué and Sinénatiali) (Figure 7). Urban and rural consumers are also 
served by the herdsmen or resellers, i.e. 44.44%. The quantity of unsold milk (22.22%) is filtered for some, boiled 
(about 10 to 15 minutes) and processed on site, see diagram (Figure 8).  

 

 
Figure 5. Signs of clinical mastitis according to breeders. 

 

 
Figure 6. Signs of subclinical mastitis according to breeders. 

 

 
 
 
 
 

Note: CMT (California mastitis test). 



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Table 9. Analysis of first drafts. 

Variables Features Staff numbers of farms N= 45 % 

Milk color Yellow 11 24.44 
White 34 75.56 

Milk color Heavy 15 33.33 
Liquid 30 66.67 

 

 
Figure 7. Distribution of milk in the farms visited. 

 

 
Figure 8. Distribution diagram and consequences linked to the consumption of local milk from the farms visited. 

 

4. Discussion 
The survey conducted in the Poro Region highlighted the conditions of cow's milk production and the 

assessment of the risk of mammary contamination of these. The study showed that the owners of the farms visited 
are of Senufo ethnicity and mainly represented in the Poro region by 88.88%. On the other hand, 93.33% of 
allogeneic (Peuls) is the main ethnic group that runs this field of activity. Indeed, this high frequency of Peuls could 
be explained by the fact that livestock breeding is the activity that is transmitted from one lineage to another in 
this ethnic group. However, the major activity of the natives is focused on agriculture. This remark was made by 
Hamadou, et al. [10] in the peri-urban area of Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso where livestock farming is 
dominated by non-natives 87.13% and a minority is made up of natives 2.69%. Agriculture, livestock farming and 
trade are the activities most practiced by the inhabitants of this area. This could be explained by the fact that its 
inhabitants have land, but also by the fact that livestock farming is a means of saving agricultural and commercial 
income, particularly those from the cultivation of corn, cotton, peanuts, etc. This is in correlation with the results 
of [5] who state that the majority of livestock farmers practice both agriculture and livestock farming. Also, the 
minority of livestock farmers on the farms visited are not illiterate 26.66% and 15.55% of livestock farmers have a 
primary level. This could be explained by the youth schooling policy implemented by the Ivorian government; 
which was not the case a few years ago for this ethnic group. The fact that these breeders found in breeding a main 
resource. Our results are in the same direction as those of Koffi [11]. These authors observe that during their 
studies, the majority of the breeders met were schooled. As for the characteristics of the farms visited, night parks 
are used by the majority of breeders and in a traditional way. The latter use small areas which could be explained 
by the more or less reduced size of the herds which range from 26 to 200 heads. These results are different from 
those found by Assani [12] who notes larger areas used by breeders. The high proportion of the Méré breed in the 
farms of the Poro region could be explained on the one hand by the ability of this local breed to resist 
trypanosomes which is one of the dominant pathologies in this region. Other breeds, although in the minority, are 
also observed in the Poro region; zebu and crossbreed breeds are breeds with high milk production observed. These 
results are consistent with those observed by Kouaho, et al. [9] who state that Zebu are the least numerous in the 



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North region. Feeding is the pillar of dairy farming. Thus, in the study, most breeders use natural fodder 75.6 % as 
their main feed. This could be explained by the fact that in the extensive system, the herds are mainly fed on 
natural pasture. However, grazing as the only way to feed livestock is one of the pillars of livestock profitability. 
This feeding method remains consistent with that observed by Marichatou, et al. [13] in extensive production 
systems. Also, most breeders do not use any feed supplement. This could be explained on the one hand by the 
insufficiency of feed produced by the industry and the high cost of this feed. On the other hand, since milk 
production is not an objective for most of its owners, the meadows, in addition to their free access, would only 
serve to cover the needs of the animals. Nevertheless, the minority of owners using a supplement composed of rice 
bran, corn, cottonseed cake and crop residues could be considered as the beginning of intensification. In addition, 
the majority of breeders water their herds in rivers. This could be explained by the fact that, in the traditional 
system, animals are generally brought to natural parturitions. Thus, during their wanderings, the herd is watered 
with water from watercourses, including rivers, streams and other natural sources. These results are consistent 
with the system described by Chayer [14]. Collecting milk in cans is a characteristic specific to all breeders 
(collectors) in this region. This preservation technique can affect the appearance of fresh milk. During transport, 
some natural factors can influence the condition of the milk. In particular, heat and turbidity, which can accelerate 
the milk fermentation process. This collection system is close to that described by Bonfoh, et al. [15] and 
Corniaux, et al. [16]. However, at the level of milk production, the difference between the quantities of milk 
produced in the farms would be explained by the breed observed at the herd level. Indeed, the crossbreed breed and 
the zebu breed have a low number of suckler cows observed in the region with a high production per season. Thus, 
the average daily production observed after the survey varying from 0.5L/cow to 15L/cow per breed of cows is 
between that obtained by Coulibaly [17] which is 0.88 L/cow for the same rainy season in Mali. However, our 
results are similar to those of Bonfoh, et al. [15]. The latter obtained daily quantities varying between 0.5 and 3.5 
L / cow and according to the seasons. These results could reflect a better performance of the breeds observed if 
ever the breeding conditions are taken into account and executed. Then, the low production observed in certain 
farms and the fluctuation noted by seasons could be explained by the feed ration of the herd, the practice of milking, 
vaccinations in the farms and the hygiene practice implemented. On the other hand, trypanosomiasis and CBPP are 
among the dominant pathologies in the region which is consistent with those obtained by Marichatou, et al. [13] 
and by Coulibaly [17] in Mali and Burkina Faso. This could be explained by the transhumance of animals in these 
neighboring countries. The lack of private veterinarians and other livestock technical agents leads farmers to resort 
to vaccination campaigns, carried out by livestock technicians in order to protect their animals. The advance of 
pathologies, in particular trypanosomiasis, CBPP and foot-and-mouth disease, could affect the productivity of the 
region. With regard to farmers who take care of their animals themselves, one would be tempted to say that this 
livestock system consumes very few veterinary drugs. This confirms the results obtained by Vias, et al. [18] in the 
peri-urban area of Niamey in Niger where the majority of farmers use traditional drugs. In addition, the very 
insufficient number of private veterinarians, qualified technicians and livestock engineers could explain this 
observation. A study even in France by Pauline [19] among the clinical and epidemiological criteria used for the 
diagnosis of subclinical mastitis, 78%, 48% and 43% of veterinarians use the increase in the concentration of 
somatic cells in milk, the absence of damage to the general condition and modification of the milk. And for a 
minority 27%, the udder does not present an inflamed appearance. Which confirms our study, among the clinical 
and epidemiological criteria used for the diagnosis of subclinical mastitis, 91% of the breeders in the sample use the 
criterion of asymmetry of the quarters, 96% the lesion of the teat and 89% the deformation of the udder. And 75%, 
76% of cases, observe a change in udder color, the modification of the appearance of the milk and an absence of 
inflammation of the udder. On the other hand, this observation was moderately high for clinical mastitis on both 
sides. Among the clinical and epidemiological criteria useful for the diagnosis of clinical mastitis, 78% of the 
farmers in the sample use the criterion of asymmetry of the quarters and 84% use the deformation of the udder. 
The definition of clinical mastitis also includes the notions of change in udder color and modification of the 
appearance of the milk for 49% and 41% of cases. For the majority of farmers 36% and 34% of the sample, during 
clinical mastitis, the udder presents a change in the color of the udder, lesion of the teats hence inflammatory risk 
while this inflammation was not a criterion for 16% of them. Here, the minority of farmers surveyed (20%) consider 
that the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (inflammations, skin sores, etc.) in dairy farms does not exceed 30%. For 
80% of them, the prevalence of clinical mastitis is greater than 60%. This is not consistent with the results of 
Pauline [19]. On the other hand, the absence of collectors in some surrounding villages and the distance greater 
than 30 km could, on the one hand, explain the sale of milk to markets and self-consumption. On the other hand, 
the cost related to transport could be a brake on milk trade in general. What could explain the prevalence of 
mastitis of 80%, in traditional farms of the Poro region according to the study remains high and close to that 
conducted in the Maghreb and East Africa where prevalences can reach 89% [20]. Our results are higher than 
those obtained in local breeds of Niger (Djelli , Azawak , Bororo, Goudali) with a prevalence of 44.2% [21] as well 
as the prevalence of 44.71% found in Benin in local breeds [22]. 
 

5. Conclusion 
The methodological approach was based on a survey, with attention paid to the description of the actors and 

practices in traditional dairy farms. The survey was conducted among 45 breeders comprising 844 cattle 
distributed in the 4 departments of the region. The data were obtained through interviews based on a single-pass 
questionnaire. The data analysis made it possible to establish descriptive statistics on the data of the sociological 
and zootechnical characteristics of the farms, the hygienic and sanitary conditions of the farms, as well as the 
circuit of collection, distribution and sale of unpasteurized milk. From this analysis, remarks can be made. 
Agriculture, an important activity constitutes nearly (31.11%) of breeders after that of trade 51.11% and owners 
who are mostly illiterate. The animals are taken to pasture for the most part, mainly in the mornings and only 
return at nightfall. Few breeders say they provide a food supplement. The age at first breeding is between 3 to 4 
years and 5 to 6 years for some. For milk production, the frequency of milk per season varies significantly 
depending on the breeds observed; although the quantities remain low in the dry season. The dominant pathologies 
are respiratory pathologies, namely Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) (28.88%), followed by a bi-



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infection safa (foot-and-mouth disease) and bovine nodular skin disease (BNSD), 20%. Concerning medical 
prevention, at the level of the farms surveyed during the vaccination period, there are few farms that confirm 
vaccinations (15.56%). Self-treatments carried out on farms in the event of illness are (44.88%). On the other hand, 
some breeders (55.12%) say they use private technicians or MAFR agents in the event of illness. Among the 
clinical and epidemiological criteria used to diagnose clinical mastitis, 78% of the breeders in the sample use the 
criterion of asymmetry of the quarters and 84% use udder deformation. And for the subclinical criteria used to 
diagnose subclinical mastitis, 91% of the breeders in the sample use the criterion of asymmetry of the quarters, 96% 
use teat lesion. Finally, for the collection and distribution of milk, 33.33% sell their milk to the main seller who 
collars motorcyclists (wholesalers) in each department of the Poro region, then urban and rural consumers are also 
served by herdsmen or resellers, i.e. 44.44%. The quantity of unsold milk (22.22%) is filtered for some, boiled 
(about 10 to 15 minutes) and transformed on site into milk. 
 

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https://doi.org/10.1002/(sici)1097-0258(19980430)17:8%3C857::aid-sim777%3E3.0.co;2-e
https://ssrn.com/abstract=4860471
https://doi.org/10.19182/remvt.9973
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2015.06.031

