MILK PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY OF SMALL-SCALE DAIRY FARMS
Xheneta USEINI, Erhan SULEJMANI
Abstract
Smallholder farmers are the mainstay of the livestock division and a critical component in the development of the local economy and dairy group. Because farmers face numerous obstacles that prevent them from joining effectively in the evolution of the dairy, this research investigates the attitudes of smallholder farmers in the Municipality of Želina regarding the dairy sector, taking into account the following factors: animal welfare, cultural factors of dairy production, ethics and traditions. Farmers with a total of 106 cows were interviewed, producing a milk yield of 31,260 liters of milk per month and having monthly expenditures of up to 5,700 euros per month for concentrates and other expenses. The findings of the statistical correlation analyses showed a significant positive impact of agricultural training education and income, family size and number of cows. Also, a high positive correlation was shown between the number of heads and the cost of concentrate for animal feed, as well as higher production with the cost of concentrate. The difficulties and problems of farmers and competent public institutions regarding the efficiency of milk production should be solved through a comprehensive approach integrating food quality, animal health and the market. Finally, such a focus enables the development of farmers' basic income and the increase of domestic milk production.
Pages: 14 - 22