Characterisation of the production and consumption of milk In the communal livestock production sector of the eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

The study was conducted in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa with the objective of characterising milk production and consumption among the communal households. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data through a single visit survey between June 2014 and May 2015. The study was undertaken in five randomly selected communal districts using a multi – stage area probability sampling method. Household sample size was calculated using a statistical methodology through a fixed formula based on a rural population size of 4410000, at a confidence level of 95%. A total of 500 households were selected with a sample size of 20 households in 5 communities within five different communal districts within the province.Half of the total sample size was used to represent the number of non-milk producing households (250) to get a true reflection on consumption profiles for nonproducers. Across the province the average communal family size was between 5-10 members with a monthly income of ZAR1340 per household. On average, pasture land size of the sampled households was 1 ha, with a range of 0.25-1.7 ha. The numbers of animals per species found in the studied province was highest for sheep (310) followed by cattle (227) and goat (87). Average livestock holding per household in the study area was 9.85 TLU (Tropical Livestock Unit). According to the respondents the predominant milking livestock numbers were between 1-3 animals milking per household. In the studied area traditional hand milking of livestock was the major milking practices at 12% in goats, 15% in sheep and 45% in cattle milk production. Consumption was the predominant reason for milk production recorded at 27% across the province. Milk production was 43% most preferred in cattle followed by 32% in goat and least at 29% in sheep across the province. In general from the study it was noted that the majority (38%) of the respondents across the province indicated 0-5mins as the time it took to milk most milk producing livestock. The majority of the milking practices was done (37%) predominantly once a day, followed by 2% twice daily across the province. The daily milk production was on average (0.45±1.07) 2-5 litre in cattle, (4.86±0.814) 0-1litre in goats and (2.62±0.42) 0-1 litre sheep per producing house hold with in the province The monthly raw milk consumption in the province was (2.20± 1.42) 2-5 litres of cattle milk, (4.78±0.79) 2-5 litres of goat milk and (4.98±0.69) 2-5 litres of sheep milk per consuming household. Pasteurised milk was found to be the most regularly consumed and preferred milk product at 4.78±0.84 litres per consuming household each month across the province. Other monthly provincial cattle milk products consumed were 0.5 kg-1 kg of powdered milk and 2- 5 litres of sour milk. Household composition and consumer preference were significantly (P˂0.05) the primary reasons for the consumption of milk and milk products. The standard price ranges for milk and milk products were R8.50-R9.50 per litre of fresh milk, R7.50-R8.50 per litre of sour milk, R33.00-R35 per kg of powdered milk and R11.50-R12.50 per litre of pasteurised milk. In general, training of selected few household heads as extension staff and para vet practices is of paramount importance so as to improve animal health together with milk production techniques. In conclusion, there was low milk production and consumption of milk and milk products in the communal households and livestock sector. The results from the study conclude there was no difference in milk production but a difference in the consumption of milk and milk products across the communal livestock production of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.