Caractéristiques de l’eau et du fourrage vert consommés par les bovins, et du lait cru produit dans certaines zones pastorales de la Région de l’Ouest Cameroun

Abstract

The dairy sector is one of the most important food security sectors in Cameroon. Despite the size of the Cameroonian cattle population, milk production is still very low. The limiting factor of food is often shown as the main constraint in cattle breeding. A study to assess the quality of water and green fodder consumed by cows, and of raw milk produced was carried out in some localities of the West Cameroon Region during the period from 2019 to 2020. After characterizing the dairy farms in the said region, the collection of samples of watering water, green fodder consumed by cows, and milk produced was carried out in twelve farms in the localities of Mbouda, Koutaba, Foumbot and Foumban. Analysis of the abiotic factors and microbiological analyses were carried out. The abiotic parameters considered were hydrogen potential, colour, turbidity, Calcium and Magnesium contents for water, Calcium and Magnesium contents for green fodder, and Hydrogen Potential, dry matter, density, titratable acidity, Calcium and Magnesium contents for the raw milk produced. The microorganisms investigated were Heterotrophic Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Brucella sp., lactobacilli, yeasts and molds. It was found that three different farming systems are practiced in the region.