International Journal of Agricultural Policy and Research Vol.9 (3), pp. 60-82, May 2021 Available online at https://www.journalissues.org/IJAPR/ https://doi.org/10.15739/IJAPR.21.008 Copyright © 2021 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article ISSN 2350-1561

Original Research Article

Characterization of the dairy production system in the division, ,

Received 12 February, 2021 Revised 10 April, 2021 Accepted 20 April, 2021 Published 6 May, 2021

Hélène Carole Edima1*, The goal of this study is to characterise dairy production systems and identify Dazeck Doumba. F. R1,2. the barriers to their development in the Adamawa region. A questionnaire based on FAO's good milking practise was used to conduct the survey. Focus and group discussions and key informant interviews with milk producers in the Vina 3 Alim Amadou Division were used to collect qualitative information on people and . According to the main findings, 94% of dairy farmers were Peulhs, 43% were 1Department of Food Science illiterate, and 63% had no dairy production training. 75% of dairy farmers also and Nutrition, National engaged in other agricultural activities. During the dry season, approximately School of Agro-industrial 93% of breeders sent their animals to pasture, with the remaining 97% Science, University of supplementing with feed. On all farms, milking was done manually by the Ngaoundéré, PO Box 455, shepherd (70%). The typological analysis identified three types of dairy farms. Cameroon. Group 1 is made up of 60% breeders who have had no training in milk 2Institute of Agricultural production. They have 95 ± 18% of the local cow (Goudali) and 5 ± 17% of a Research for Developpement, mixed breed. According to bovine herds, 45 ± 15 heads including 21 ± 8 cows are Wakwa Researche Center, used for milk production. In 98% of the farms, the daily milk production is 18 ± Cameroon. 16 L with regard to the environment, 96% of the farms are fenced but none has 3School of Science and an enclosure. Agricultural activity is practiced on 87% of farms. The dominant Veterinary Medecine; mode of reproduction is natural horsemanship and all breeders supplement the University of Ngaoundéré, feed of the animals during the dry season. In group 2, 82% have no training in Cameroon. dairy production. 91±30% of the livestock is made of local cows (Goudali) and 9±30% of mixed breeds. Their herd is large, with 41±25 head including 19±14 *Corresponding Author cows used for milk production in the rainy season. Their daily milk production Email: [email protected] is 6±3 L. According to the farm, 81% have an area of less than 10 Ha, 73%, are closed and engaged in agricultural activities. All farms in group 2 use natural riding as the only means of reproduction and food supplementation is only made in 82% of farms. The Group 3 is made up of rather educated breeders, 45% of whom have reached university, 45% trained in dairy production their livestock is made of 25±41% exotic breeds, 37±28 of mixed breed and 38±32% of local breeds. From a small number of cattle (23±13 heads) including 10±6 cows, their average daily milk production is 21±14 L. According to farms, 91% have an area of more than 10 Ha, are all fenced, and half have a barn. Natural riding is the sole mode of reproduction on 91% of farms. These findings reveal a diverse set of practises among the farms studied. This explains the ineffectiveness of the government's actions. Indeed, the government has always taken a global approach to support, but it appears that the support strategy for this sector must take the unique characteristics of each farm into account.

Keywords: Dairy farming, demographics, herds, Adamawa, Cameroon

INTRODUCTION

Agriculture is a critical and priority sector of the employment, employing nearly 70% of the labour force, Cameroonian economy. It is the primary source of contributing 62% of the national GDP, and accounting for Int. J. Agric. Pol. Res. 61

51% of exports (Cameroon-Report, 2014). The dairy region (Cameroon). Adamawa is a transitional region industry is one of the largest agricultural sectors in the between southern forest Cameroon and the Sudanese country, accounting for approximately 4.8 % of national savannahs of northern Cameroon (Mbahe, 1998). It covers GDP (Dejo, 2017). Many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, an area of 63,701 km2 (INS, 2011). (Figure 1). The Vina particularly Cameroon, are aiming for milk self-sufficiency. Division has 8 districts namely Ngaoundéré I (Mbideng), The latter has a large herd of dairy cattle as an asset. This is Ngaoundéré II (Mabanga), Ngaoundéré III (Dang), Ngan'ha, estimated in 2008 at 2.319.000 head including 1.115.900 , , Mbé and Belel. dairy cows that produced 174.000 tonnes of fresh milk per year (MINEPIA, 2009). Despite this strategy, milk supply Human environment across the country is not predicted to match the estimate demand. Adamawa has various ethnic groups with different cultures As far as production is concerned, cattle farming in and traditions. These ethnic groups live nearby, in all the Cameroon relies on the extensive system (80-85%), the harmony that this diversity can allow. The most important semi-intensive system (20%) and the intensive system groups numerically are the Foulbes or Fulani or Peulh, the (5%) (ACDIC, 2006). The first two majority systems, have Gbaya, the Mbum, the Duru etc. (MESSINE, 2003). This their production constrained, by climatic fluctuations region, represents 5.1% of the cameroonian population and (climate change), environmental constraint (low edible reflecting a low population density (13.9 inhabitants/km2) biomass, invasion of Bokassa Grass (Chromoloema odorata, (INS, 2010). This low density, is coupled with a favourable and poor pastoral practice non-respect of load capacity), natural environment, which means that it is the best area resulting together in low cow production and a high cost of for animal production in fact there is little habitation with a production. lot of green space for breeding. This poses significant food security risk to low income households. To cope with this situation, a reform within the Survey structure and racial composition of the herd is essential. The dairy industry which was initially monopolized by the Sampling government through the dairy project from 1991 to 2002 (ACDIC, 2006), has rapidly evolved following its In order to integrate all different types of milk production liberalization and decontrol of prices leading to an informal systems of the Vina division, this study was carried out on market, while generating many opportunities for private 67 farms in the 11 zootechnical centers belonging to the 7 processors. This situation led to the appearance of “dairy sub-division of this division. These centres account for bars” in the town, as there are more than 20 of them in more than a third of the centres in this restricted are and downtown Ngaoundéré (Djibo, 2015). Consequently, global were chosen based on the recommendation of the Ministry demand for milk has gained prominence over the past few of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries of Cameroon decades due to increase of “dairy bars”, while limited (MINEPIA). The chosen centres were: Lahore Vina; increase in supply is observed. To fill the milk gap, a huge Ngaoundere; Margol; Dibi; Nyambaka; Likok; considerable amount of milk and dairy product is imported, BouhariMbang; Ngan-Ha; Lafia Didango; Idool and Tello. estimated at 23,686 tonnes in 2013 (INS, 2015). These led Their distributions are shown in Table 1 below. The visit to to a huge currency leak. To cope with this financial a farm was carried out under the following conditions: hemorrhage, Cameroon government undertook to reform  the owner's availability to answer our the milk sector. To achieve this goal, understanding the questionnaires and structure and functionality of the milk sector is essential.  the owner's willingness to show us around his However, many organizations and policy makers have farm. attempted to solve the problem (PAPA/ADFL, 2013); but the methodology used have been general flawed rather Investigative support than a holistic approach which is critical in the management of the overall dairy system. Thus, the current The survey was conducted using a questionnaire based on study aims to characterize the dairy production, system in the requirements of the Good Milking Practices (FAO, order to identify the constraints that hinder the 2012). This questionnaire was sub-divided into several development of the dairy industry in the Adamawa region. headings illustrated in appendices 1: the period of investigation coincided with the end of the dry season (February, March, April of which year 2020). A critical MATERIALS AND METHODS period for many livestock, is a period during which green grasses are scarce in pastures and small streams dry up. This study was carried out in order to establish a typology During this period, the animals go to pasture between 8 am of dairy farming systems based on functional traits and to and 9 am and do not return until late in the evening and the study the demographic parameters of the herds. milking operation takes place between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. The herd structure was recorded and the structure of the Study area farm was established by observing the different infrastructures and the layout of the farm. The parameters The study was carried out in the Vina Division of Adamawa observed are illustrated in appendices 2: Edima et al. 62

Figure 1: Location of the study area

Table 1. distribution of zootechnical centres by subdivisions and farms surveyed

Subdivisions Zoo technical centers Number of farms surveyed Ngaoundere 1 Lahoré Vina* 4 Ngaoundere 2 Ngaoundere* 14 Ngaoundere 3 Dang 10 Margol* Nyambaka Dibi* 8 Galdi Kognoli Mangom Nyambaka* Martap BekaMangari 8 Likok* Lougga Makor Mandourou Martap SeboreDjangol Lafia Didango* MbangBouhari* MbangMberni 9 Ngangassao Ngan-Ha* Belel Idool* 7 BakariBaka Beka Modibo Belel Djilougou Tello* Tournigal

Source: List of zootechnical centres in Vina, MINEPIA, 2017 Int. J. Agric. Pol. Res. 63

Table 2. Cattle Age Group

Categories Age Calf and velle 0-12 months Taurillon, steer and heifer 1 – 3 years Adult bull 4 and over Adult cow 4 – 10 years Cow out of age 11 and over Draftcow 3 – 8 years

How the survey unfolded farm. It consists of reconstructing the demography of the herd in the last twelve months before the survey. This To carry out our survey, we organized ourselves to browse method has been developed to quantify the impact of the 11 zootechnical centers in 3 months. After the shocks (drought, epidemy, etc.) or short-term development administrative approvals, the livestock staff (heads of the projects (Lesnoff, 2014). Zootechnical centers) and the dairy professionals put us in This method was chosen because it calls for a shorter- contact with the dairy farmers they knew in their area of term memory (12 months) rather than other methods of activity. With them, we went down to their farms, after retrospective investigation of herd structure, such as the explaining clearly the purpose of the study and giving its quarrying method that calls for a memory of all benefits. The interview with the owner covered the reproductive careers of breeding females present on the headings (characterization of the owner and activity of the farm (Lesnoff, 2014). This is also because the animal farm; characterization of the farm; animal health and farm owners of the area frequently change the herdsmen. hygiene; production and communication). The questions written in French were asked as clearly and simply as Herd composition possible in the Fulfulde language so as not to confuse or to maintain an atmosphere of familiarity to obtain the The composition of the herd is the simplification of the herd answers closest to reality because many of the animal structure. It is used to check for large balances such as the owners and shepherds are skeptical of the authorities to male-female, youth/adult ratio (Lhoste et al., 1993). It give information about their investment (farm) and to give categorizes elements of the herd structure as shown in their personal information to strangers. Table 2 above.

Typological analysis Herd structure

This survey established a typology of existing dairy farming It is graphically represented by the age pyramid of the herd, systems based on various criteria that are the where each line represents an age class. Starting at the characteristics of the breeder and the farm, the nature of bottom, the central column gives the start of the year age. the herds (size, composition) and production. The average The infant line "age 0" therefore represents the age class of milk production per cow was determined by dividing the 0 to 1 year, the "age 1" line that is 1 to 2 years old, etc. the total amount of milk produced on the farm by the number left part of the table concerns the males and the right part on cows milked. It is carried out using factor analysis of the females. The filling of this table by age group, the multiple matches (AFCM) and a hierarchical bottom-up number at the beginning of the year, the year-end classification (CAH) using the 2016 XLSTAT statistical workforce, the number of deaths and the number of software. animals exploited, allows us to develop the structure of the herd in the form of an age pyramid. The exploitation of the Analysis of herd structure elements of this herd structuring table allowed us to calculate the following demographic elements: Retrospective Cross-Sectional Survey -The reproduction Parameters: Fertility rate= (Number of calves born x 100)/ (Number of females breeding). For this purpose, the 12-month (12 MO) method was used. -Mortality parameters: It is a retrospective cross-sectional survey method for Male mortality less than one-year-old: (Number of dead estimating the demographic parameters of a domestic calves x 100)/ (average calf count). ruminant herd (annual breeding, mortality and exploitation Average headcount= (Early-year staff-year-end-staff)/ rates). The 12-month method was developed by CIRAD (2). (2006) as part of various research projects and revised and Female mortality under one year of age: Female mortality improved in 2009 for use in several projects in West Africa. rate of less than one year= (Number of dead females x This method is based on interviews with herders and their 100)/ (Average number of cows). more or less long-term memory of demographic events in Infant mortality rate= (Number of animals dead under herds. Interviews are carried out in a single visit to each one-year x 100)/(Number of animals under one-year-old). Edima et al. 64

Figure 2: Distribution of farms found by zootechnical centres

Young animals mortality rate=(Number of young dead rate must remain telling and its numbers vary at constant animals x 100)/ (Young group). rates, i.e. the relative frequency by age and gender class Adult mortality rate= (Number of adult animals dead x remains the same from year to year. If the growth is zero, 100)/ (Adult Animal Number). we are talking about a stationary structure. If the numerical Overall mortality rate: (Number of dead animals x 100)/ exploitation rate and numbers vary inconsistent from year (Average herd number). to year, it is referred to as an unstable herd. -Farming Parameters: Farm rate (EN): This is the percentage, relative to the average number of animals taken by the breeder in the RESULT AND DISCUSSION herd, for sale, self-consumption, and donations. EN= (Number of animals operated x 100)/ (average number) Characteristics of dairy farms in Vina Immigration rate (IT): is the number of animals introduced to the herd x 100)/ (Average number). The The characterization of the farms was carried out by the numerical growth is the year-over-year change in herd characterization of the milk-producing herders, the numbers, usually determined by annual inventories. characterization of the farm, the description of their cattle Gross Digital Growth (CNB) is the difference between two herds, as well as the conduct of cattle and dairy production. successive annual inventories. CNB= (End-of-year-effective Farms in the Department of Vina were unevenly membership beginning of the year) x 100)/ (Average staff) distributed in the 11 zootechnical centres (Figure 2). The Net Digital Growth (CNN) is the result of natural growth Ngaoundéré centre had the largest staff with 14 farms and herd exploitation. It can be positive, negative, or zero. found, followed by the centre of Margol 10 farms. And the (CNN= CNB-TI). least represented are the centre of Mbang Bouhari 2 farms, Total or maximum digital or available return (RN) is the Dibi and Ngan-Ha with three farms each. sum of operating rates and net numerical growth. The majority of dairy farm owners were of Peulh (RN=EN+CNN). ethnicity 94% Muslims (Table 3). This majority 73% had not gone beyond primary school and 63% had no training Herd structure in dairy production. The average age of the owners of these farms was 47 ± 11 Modelling of herd structure was based on pre-established years, with 75% of farms run by people over 40 years. parameters, i.e. parameters calculated from a field survey. However, 75% of the owners ran their farms and 85% These parameters are Fertility rate; Sex ratio of births; regularly visited the farms. The average person working on Mortality rates by sex and age group; crude believes; The these farms is 3±2 people with extremes numbers of number of females of reproductive age (FAR); The workers on large farms for of up to 11 people. 93% of the reproductive age of males and females; The rate of farms contained less than 5 people. exploitation by sex and age group. The modelled structure of each operation was analyzed Characteristics of milk farms and it gave either a stable, unstable or stationary structure. For a herd structure to be stable its numerical exploitation All farms were located on their owners land and not for Int. J. Agric. Pol. Res. 65

Table 3. Characteristics of the owners of Vina dairy farms

Parameters Modality Proportion (%) <40 25 [40-50[ 34 Age [50-60[ 28 ≥60 12 Christians 3 Religion Muslims 97 Kera 1 Kotoko 1 Ethnicity Massa 1 Peulh 94 Péré 1 No level of Education 43 Primary 30 Level of education secondary 13 University 13 No 63 Dairy production training Yes 37 owner 73 Veterinary 3 Farm management employee 6 family 16 family + employee 1 occasional 6 Presence on the farm 1-2 times/week 9 permanent 85 ˂5 93 Number of permanent staff [5-10[ 4 ≥10 3

rent or share-cropping. They were acquired by inheritance accounted for only 3%. And the rest (14%) was formed of or land purchase. Almost half had not started dairy animals from the cross between local and exotic breeds of production before 2010 (Table 4). Farm areas varied which some breeds are illustrated in Appendix 3. Breeders widely from 0.5 Ha to 250 Ha. With an average of 17±40 ha used natural lifts (90%) as their main breeding method, and 63% had less than 10 ha of land. 93% of the farms were while some breeders (10%) in addition to the natural fenced off and had as infrastructure: the barn 13%, the mount practiced artificial insemination. None of these milking room 6%, and quarantine park 24% store 46%. The farms practiced only artificial insemination as the only farms with the most suitable infrastructures were in the mode of reproduction. All of the farms surveyed practiced a periurban area of Ngaoundéré, and consist of wooden barns sedentary farming method. This was characterized by the and roofing. The vast majority of these farms sending of animals to pasture off the farm in 93% of the 84% produced milk all year round, both in the rainy and breeders. This was done throughout the year by 95% of the dry seasons. In addition to dairy production, 75% of the breeders. To combat the lack of pasture in the dry season, farms were engaged in other agricultural activities. Thus, 97% of herders supplement their animals food during this 33% of these farmers practiced at the same time food and period, while others (6%) supplement throughout the year forage crops as a secondary activity. to improve their milk production. The foods used by farmers were mainly made up of different proportions Livestock and milk production depending on the producers of corn, cotton cake and salt. This composition was distributed to all their animals (75%) The majority (78%) farms visited had only the bovine and most often once a day (mornings). Also, 76% of the species and others (22%) were associated with the rearing animals only drank from the river, which was more or less of other animals (small ruminant and poultry) (Table 5). far from the farm. The average herd size of these farms was 40 ± 18 heads. Most farmers did not have the support to help them keep With a minimum of 2 heads and a maximum of 75 heads. track of their farm. The only technical-economic supports And more than half of the farms had exceeded the number held by the breeders were: the expenditure/revenue book of 40 heads. There were 2.71 animals surveyed, 82% of held by almost half of the farmers and the dairy milk which were of the Goudali breed, the main local breed. The production sheet held by 34% of the breeders (Table 6). Akou, Bokolo and Djafoun races together accounted for less The health of the animals on these farms was ensured in than 1%. The Holstein breed, the main exotic breed, 60% of cases by the breeder themselves, who diagnosed Edima et al. 66

Table 4. Characteristics of Vina Dairy Farms

Parameters Modality Proportion (%) Status Private 100 After2010 46 Before 1990 6 Date of start of production [1990-2000[ 10 [2000-2010[ 37 P 84 Dairy production T 16 <10 69 Area [10-20[ 18 ≥20 13 Farming practice No 25 Yes 75 Infrastructures No 7 Enclosure Yes 93 No 87 Barn Yes 13 No 79 Calf housing Yes 21 No 94 Milking room Yes 6 No 76 Quarantine park Yes 24 Store No 54 Yes 46

Table 5. Vina dairy farm operations

Parameters Modality Proportion (%) Cattle 78 Cattle and small ruminant 15 Animals raised Cattle, small ruminant and poultry 4 Cattle and poultry 3 Natural servicing and artificial insemination 10 Reproduction mode natural servicing 90 No 7 sending to pasture Yes 93 Rainy season 5 Sending period All year round 95 No 3 Food supplementation Yes 97 supplementation Dry season 94 period All year round 6 weakened animals 8 All animals 75 beneficiary category Milked cows 8 Milked cows and veal 6 milked cows - Weakened animals 3 Drilling + lake 15 lake 1 pond 1 watering pond+river 1 Wells 1 Wells and drilling 1 Wells+river 1 River 76

and treated their animals (Table 7). The most common descending order of numbers; form of foot-and-mouth diseases encountered on the farms surveyed were in disease recorded in 76% of farms, was by far the disease Int. J. Agric. Pol. Res. 67

Table 6.Technical and economic supports held by Vina dairy farmers

Parameters Modality Proportion (%) No 93 individual identification sheet for animals Yes 7 No 66 farm's daily production sheet Yes 34 No 91 reproduction sheet Yes 9 No 94 animal health card Yes 6 No 97 food stock tracking sheet Yes 3 No 52 expenses and revenue books Yes 48

Table 7. Vina Dairy Farmers' Health Lines

Parameters Modality Proportion (%) Veterinary 34 Medical follow-up of the farm Non 60 livestock auxiliary 6 Sale 4 Fertilizer 90 become cow dung Fertilizer-biodigesters 3 Fertilizer-sale 3 Frequency of vaccination Annual 99 Annual and 2 times a year 1 Frequency of deworming 0 27 Monthly 4 Quarterly 6 3 times a year 10 2 times a year 40 Annual 12 No 97 Infirmary presence on the farm Yes 3 Pharmacy 73 source of veterinary medicine Pharmacy+market 6 Market 21

that threatened the most dairy farming representing 42% case of health problems, they claimed to buy medicines of diseases. Then comes fasciolosis (12%), followed by from pharmacies (73%) or to the market (21%) or in both gastrointestinal parasitosis (11%) and trypanosomoses places depending on availability (6%). The animals were (10%). Other diseases (dermatophylose, scabies, PPCB, kept in the areas reserved for planting in the dry season, to micronutrient deficiency, symptomatic anthrax, coccidiosis, fertilize the soil, which will be used for crops in the rainy conjunctivitis, cowdriosis, nodular dermatosis, season. While in the rainy season, were kept in the enterotoxemy, vitular fever, herlichiosis, intoxication and stall parks, where their dungs are collected regularly for otitis) whose frequencies are low (<10%), are grouped into use in plantations in 96% of livestock. Only 3% of farmers a group that accounts for 26% of diseases. Vaccination was used this dung as biodigesters for the production of the most common prophylaxis practised by breeders during methane used as household gas. the annual vaccination campaign organized by MINEPIA. The milkings were carried out in all farms manually. The During this period, animals are vaccinated against herdsmen are those who carry out this operation in 70% of symptomatic anthrax, PPCB, Pasteurellosis and nodular the farms and have received no formal training on the fever. The deworming of the herd as a prophylactic was hygiene of the trade. The only hygiene rule to be observed practised by 73% of breeders and the majority (40%) 2 by all of them was milking container washing. While times/year. Cases of mastitis were recorded in 28% of handwashing was carried out by only 40% of the breeder breeders. This rarely happens in more than half of cases. To and the wearing of suits (without gloves or glasses) was treat them, breeders who are victims of this pathology in respected by only one breeder. Calving was most occurring their farms, have claimed to use antibiotics. Almost all during the rainy season (81%) dry season (Table 8). breeders (97%) did not have an infirmary on their farms. In The amount of milk produced varied depending on the Edima et al. 68

Table 8. Milking and milking hygiene of Vina dairy farmers

Parameters Modality Proportion (%) No Answer 9 calving season Rainy season 81 Dry Season 10 Family 16 Shepherd 70 In charge of milking The person in charge of milking 3 Owner 5 Owner+shepherd 6 No 94 Dairy production training Yes 6 Milking hygiene combination port No 99 Yes 1 hand washing No 60 Yes 40 Washing equipment Yes 100 Washing of teats No 93 Yes 7

season. During the rainy season, the farms visited had a the variables are as follows: the Proportion of local breed production capacity ranging from 2.5 to 100 L / day, with cows (RL) at 23.4%; the Number of cows (NVA) at 17.9%; an average of 21 ± 18 L / D. While in the dry season their the Cattle workforce (EFB) at 17.2%; the Proportion of productions fell sharply to vary between 0 to 70 L / D with exotic breed cow (RE) at 12.6%; the Closing presence (INF) an average of 13 ± 15 L / D. The price of a litre of milk also at 212.3%; the Proportion of mixed race (RM) at 10.8% and followed this seasonal fluctuation. During the rainy season, the Amount of milk produced (QPL) at 4.5% for an overall the price of a litre of milk varies between 0.36 and 1.45 US $ contribution of 98.8% to the formation of axis 1. While for with an average of. 0.56 ±0.16 US $ . Returned in the dry axis 2, the contribution of the variables are as follows: the season, on average to 0.74 ±0.13 US $, with a variation proportion of mixed race (RM) at 26.4%; the proportion of ranging from 0.45 to 1.45 US $. These kinds of milk are local breed cows (RL) at 17.8%, the amount of milk delivered to dairy bars in the city. And in remote areas, they produced (QPL) at 11.3%; the proportion of exotic breed are sold in local markets. However, the diversity of farms cow (RE) of 7.9%; the agricultural production (PAA) at can be studied in more depth by a typological study which 8.6%; the dairy production (PRL) at 7.4%; the area (SUP) at will allow a more specific improvement of the farms. 6.1%; the mode of reproduction (MOR) at 5.4%; the number of cows (NVA) at 4.5% and the cattle workforce Typological study of farms (EFB) at 2.4%, for an overall contribution of 97.9% to the formation of axis 2(Table 12). The typological analysis of dairy farms in the Vina Division was carried out using 19 variables comprising 64 Study of the factor axes modalities, of which 13 variables comprising 35 modalities were considered as actively participating in the formation The study of the relative contribution of the modalities of of factorial axis and 6 variables made up of 29 modalities variables to inertia explained by the axis, helped to define were considered as additional used for the interpretation of the meaning of each factor axis (Table 13). The first axis the results. These variables and their modalities have been opposed farmers who used local-bred cows for dairy codified (Tables 9 and 10). production against farmers who used more improved cows either through interbreeding or the use of pure breeds for Multiple match analysis dairy production. The second axis pitted farmers who used more improved breeds to produce a large amount of milk Variable Studies (≥20 L/J) against breeders with fewer than 10 cows and temporarily producing milk. Analysis of the cumulative contribution of inertia adjusted to total inertia showed that the first two factor axis Analysis of farm distribution on factoring axis accounted for more than 50% of the total variance. The first axis alone accounted for 41% of the initial information and The most contributory methods for the development of the the second 17%. The factor plan (1, 2) was therefore factorial axis resulted in obtaining 3 groups of farms. The sufficient to describe most of the structure of the data table graphic representation (Figure 3) made it possible to (Table 11). clearly distinguish the three groups of farms: group 1, The study of variables showed that, the contribution of which is clearly to the left on the graph, includes a very Int. J. Agric. Pol. Res. 69

Table 9. The main variables

Variable Code Signification Modalities signification Proportion (%) 1 No 7.46 INF1 Closing presence 2 Yes 92.54 1 No 86.57 INF2 Presence of the barn 2 Yes 13.43 1 <10 Ha 68.66 SUP area 2 [10 and 20 Ha[ 17.91 3 ≥20 Ha 13.43 1 Permanent 83.58 PRL Dairy production 2 Temporary 16.42 1 No 25.37 AAP Agricultural production 2 Yes 74.63 1 Insemination and natural servicing 10.45 MOR Mode of reproduction 2 Natural servicing 89.55 1 No 2.99 CAL Food supplementation 2 Yes 97.01 1 <10 L/Day 40.30 QPL Amount of milk produced 2 [10 and 20 L/day[ 34.33 3 ≥20 l/day 25,37 1 <10 heads 11.94 NVA Number of cows 2 [10 and 20 heads[ 46.27 3 ≥20 heads 41.79 1 <10 heads 13.43 EFB Cattle workforce 2 [10 and 20 heads[ 32.84 3 ≥20 heads 53.73 1 [0-20%[ 95.52 Proportion of exotic %RE 2 [80-100%] 2.99 breed cow 3 ]20-80%[ 1.49 1 [0-20%[ 82.09 %RM Proportion of mixed race 2 [80-100%] 4,48 3 ]20-80%[ 13.43 1 [0-20%[ 8.96 Proportion of local breed %RL 2 [80-100%] 10.45 cows 3 ]20-80%[ 80.60

large number of farms that cluster together in clusters, limitations. This always allows us to interpret the factor characterizing a homogeneity between them. Group 3, axis or planes beyond the main plane. The other planes which is clearly to the right, divided diagonally from bottom describe proximity that is corrective terms compared to the to top right, has few farms that are dispersed, thus main proximity observed on the first two axis. Hence the characterizing a great variability between the farms of this need to have this ACM follow up with a CAH to take into group. Group 2 located in the middle position to the other account the hidden dimensions of information to achieve as two and is located at the top of the graph. This group also complete a typology as possible. presents an intermediate distribution of these farms to the other 2, thus characterizing a small variation between the Hierarchy ascendant classification elements of this group. The graphic representation of the farms and the most Because of its complementary with the CMA, the CAH was contributing modalities (Figure 3) showed that Group 1 and implemented on the first two factor axis chosen to better 2 farms were characterized by low milk production define farm groups. (<10L/J) and agricultural activity. While the Group 3 farms It also allowed us to obtain a three-class score represented had a large number of modalities characterizing them. by the dendrogram below (Figure 4 and 5). These group 3 farms had a larger or smaller area (<10 Ha or [10 and 20 Ha]) that could be fenced or not, owned a Group definition barn and produced milk permanently. This type of farm is found in the localities of Laoure Vina, Ngaoundéré and The study of the distribution of groups formed by the CAH Margol. dendrogram and the return to the initial data file revealed The ACM has allowed us, through the interpretation of the characteristics of each group. the factor axis, to identify the main characteristics of the  Group 1 is made up of 60% breeders, with no farms investigated. This method, although particularly training in milk production. They have 95 ± 18% of the suitable for the exploration of survey data, has some local cow (Goudali) and 5 ± 17% of a mixed breed. Edima et al. 70

Table 10. Additional Variables

Variable code Signification Modalities Signification Proportion (%) 1 Lahoré Vina 5.97 2 Ngaoundéré 20.90 3 Margol 14.93 4 Nyambaka 7.46 5 Dibi 4.48 LOC localization 6 Likok 11.94 7 MbangBouhari 2.99 8 Ngan-Ha 4.48 9 LafiaDidango 5.97 10 Idool 10.45 11 Tello 10.45 1 <40 years 25.37 2 [40-50 years[ 34.33 AGE Age 3 [50-60 years[ 28.36 4 ≥60 years 11.94 1 No level of education 43.28 2 Primary 29.85 NIS Level of education 3 Secondary 13.43 4 University 13.43 1 No 62.69 FPL Training in dairy production 2 Yes 37.31 1 <5 persons 92.54 PTF Staff work on the farm 2 [5-10 persons[ 4.48 3 ≥10 persons 2.99 1 After 2010 46.27 DAC 2 Before 1990 5.97 Date of creation 3 [1990-2000[ 10.45 4 [2000-2010[ 37.31

Table 11. Cumulative contributions to total factor axis inertia

Axes Adjusted inertia (%) Cumulative % 1 41.30 41.30 2 17.10 58.40 3 9.90 68.30

Table 12. Description of the factor axes by the modalities of the additional variables

N° Modalities Test value Weights 1 University level 3.72 9 Localisation : Ngaoundéré 3 -2.21 10 2 Age : between 50 and 60 years -3.06 19 University level -2.85 9

According to bovine herds, 45 ± 15 heads including 21 ± 8 is 6±3 L. According to the farm, 81% have an area of less cows are used for milk production. In 98% of the farms, the than 10 Ha, 73%, are closed and engaged in agricultural daily milk production is 18 ± 16 L. with regard to the activities. All farms in this group use natural riding as the environment, 96% of the farms are fenced but none has an only means of reproduction and food supplementation is enclosure. Agricultural activity is practiced on 87% of only made in 82% of farms. farms. The dominant mode of reproduction is natural  Group 3 is made up of rather educated breeders, horsemanship and all breeders supplement the feed of the 45% of whom have reached university, 45%.and trained in animals during the dry season. dairy production their livestock is made of 25±41% exotic  Group 2 in this group, 82% have no training in breeds, 37±28% of mixed breed and 38±32% of local dairy production. 91±30% of the livestock is made of local breeds. From a small number of cattle (23±13 heads) cows (Goudali) and 9±30% of mixed breeds. Their herd is including 10±6 cows, their average daily milk production is large, with 41±25 head including 19±14 cows used for milk 21±14 L. According to farms, 91% have an area of more production in the rainy season. Their daily milk production than 10 Ha, all are fenced and half of which have a barn. Int. J. Agric. Pol. Res. 71

Table 13. Definition of factor axes

Axes Negative Positive Percentage of locally bred cows over 80% Percentage of locally bred cows less than 20% Percentage of mixed cows between 20 and 80% Percentage of exotic cows between 20 and 80% 1 Presence of a stable Number of cows less than 10 Cattle under 20 University education Percentage of mixed cows over 80% Percentage of mixed cows less than 20% The percentage of exotic cows over 80% Temporary dairy production Percentage of locally bred cows between 20 Number of cows less than 10 and 80% Location Margol 2 An operating area greater than 20 Ha Owners between the ages of 50 and 60 Lack of farming practice University education Mode of reproduction by natural servicing Amount of milk produced more than 20 L/D

Figure 3: Representing the Most Valuable Farms and Terms on the CMA Chart

Natural riding is used in 91% of farms as the only mode of Population study of herds reproduction Certainly, the formation of the operating groups will Herd composition allow for more thoughtful action. But it will be even more after a demographic study of the herds of these farms. However, typological analysis differentiated 3 groups of Herds consist of 40±18 heads consisting of 30±14 females dairy farms in The Vina, based on the characteristics of the representing 73.16±8.54% of animals and 11±6 males farmers, the infrastructure, the composition of the herds representing 26.84±8.54% (Table 14). Breeding animals and the milk production. consist of 46.45±10.78% of cows and 6.02±4.08% bulls. Edima et al. 72

Figure 4: Farm representation on the CAH dendrogram

Figure 5: representation of farm groups on the CAH dendrogram Int. J. Agric. Pol. Res. 73

Table 14. Cattle Herd Composition (2710 Cattle)

Composition Lahoré Ngaoundéré Margol Nyambaka Dibi Likok Mbang Ngan-Ha Lafia Idool Tello Generale Sign Vina didango Age Medium ± Gap-type (head) Males (head) calf <1an 4±4acd 5±3acd 6±3ad 6±4abcd 3±1ab 3±2bc 3±1acd 4±1acd 5±1acd 5±3acd 7±2d 5±3 NS Young bulls 1 1-2ans 5±4ae 2±2ace 3±3ae 4±4a 3±3af 2±2afg 1±0b 6±2afg 1±1def 2±1bcg 1±1def 2±3 NS Young bulls 2 2-3ans 1±1acd 1±0a 1±0acd 2±1acd 2±1acd 2±1bcd 1±1acd 3±1bd 0±1ac 0±1a 1±1acd 1±2 NS Bulls ≥3ans 2±1ac 2±1a 2±1a 2±1ac 5±1cb 4±1bd 1±2a 5±1b 2±1a 3±1ab 2±1ac 2±2 NS Total males 12±3ab 9±1a 11±2ab 14±2ab 12±3ab 11±2ab 5±4a 17±3b 7±3a 9±2a 11±2ab 11±6 NS Female (head) Velles <1an 7±2ab 6±1ab 5±1ab 6±1ab 3±2a 6±1ab 4±2ab 9±2b 2±2a 6±1ab 5±1ab 5±3 NS Heifers 1 1-2ans 6±2a 2±1b 4±1ab 4±2ab 2±2ab 4±1ab 5±2ab 6±2ab 2±2ab 2±1b 2±1b 3±3 NS Heifers 2 2-3ans 1±2a 2±1a 3±1a 4±1a 3±2a 4±1a 4±2a 5±2a 1±2a 2±1a 1±1a 2±3 NS Cows ≥3ans 20±5a 20±3a 22±3a 18±4a 15±6a 21±3a 17±7a 24±6a 11±5a 18±4a 14±4a 19±10 NS Total females 33±7abc 31±4abc 34±4ab 32±6abc 24±8abc 34±5ab 29±10abc 44±8b 15±7c 28±5abc 21±5ac 30±14 NS Total workforce 45±9abc 39±5abc 45±6ab 46±8ab 36±10abc 45±6ab 34±13abc 61±10b 22±9c 37±7abc 32±7ac 40±18 NS a, b, c, ... average values on the same line with different letters are significantly different to 5% (p < 0.05). Sign: significance NS: Non-significant difference between 5% groups (p ≥ 0.05).

Potential heifers producing replacements or causing Thus, this difference in exotic breeds could allow us to and adults (3.52±5.24%) (Table 17). Locality did not an increase in the number of cows of milk producers divide these communities into two groups. Localities have a significant effect (P>0.05) on mortality soon represent 5.55±7.24% of the total workforce. The where farmers used exotic breeds (LahoréVina, parameters. Nevertheless, we note that the mortality different elements of herd composition did not show Ngaoundéré, Margol, Dibi, MbangBouhari and Ngan- rate of calves in the Lahoré Vina centre is significantly significant differences (p>0.05) between the 11 Ha) and those where farmers used little or no exotic higher (p < 0.05) than in other centres. zootechnical centres. But there is variability between breeds (Nyambaka, LafiaDidango, Idool and Tello). the centres compared two to two. Production parameters Reproduction parameters Breed composition of herd cows The field survey on the production of breeds and Cows had their first calving overall at 3.96±0.46 years crosses between cattle breeds, to varying degrees, In general, herds consisted on average of 17±10 locally and a fertility rate of 64.37±26.02%. The locality had a gave us the average daily productions shown in Table bred cows (Goudali, Akou, Djafoun and Bokolo) significant effect (p<0.05) on the age of the first 18 below. representing 84.85±30.58% of cows, 2±4 mixed calving and the precocity, but not on the fertility rate The amount of milk produced daily had a significant breeds representing 10.69±24.04% and 0±2 exotic (Table 16). difference (p < 0.05) between localities. Thus, the two- cows representing 4.45±18.52%. Exotic breeds were to-two comparison between the localities showed that little used in overall dairy production (Table 15). Mortality parameters the production of farms in the localities lahoré Vina, The types of cows used for dairy production did not Ngaoundéré and Margol was significantly higher (p < vary significantly (p ≥ 0.05) between communities. But Farm mortality parameters consisted of mortality 0.05) that of Likok. there were differences in the two-to-two comparison rates: overall (6.10±6.96%), calves (5.35±11.81%), Based on the average number of cows and breeds of the communities for the exotic and mixed breeds. cranks (10.40±1 7.26%), young animals (2.38±5.76%) used for dairy production on farms in each locality, Edima et al. 74

Table 15. Breeds of cows used by farms

Localities Local Mixed Exotic Medium ± Gap -type (head) Lahoré Vina 13±5a 4±2ab 3±1a Ngaoundéré 18±3a 2±1ab 1±0a Margol 15±3a 5±1a 1±1a Nyambaka 18±5a 0±2b 0±1b Dibi 15±6a 0±2ab 0±1a Likok 21±4a 0±1b 0±1b Mbang 17±7a 1±3ab 0±1a Ngan-Ha 24±6a 0±2ab 0±1a Lafia didango 9±5a 2±2ab 0±1b Idool 18±4a 0±2b 0±1b Tello 14±4a 0±2b 0±1b General 17±10 2±4 0±2 Sign NS NS NS

(a), b: average values on the same column with different letters are significantly different to 5% (p < 0.05); Sign: significance.

Table 16. Reproductive Parameters

Localities Age of 1st calving (years) Precocity Fertility rate Medium ± Gap-type (%) Lahoré Vina 3.75±0.20ac 3.0±0.20ac 54.49±12.36ac Ngaoundéré 3.68±0.10a 2.93±0.10a 60.47±6.61ac Margol 3.75±0.12a 3.0±0.12a 63.52±7.82ac Nyambaka 4.5±0.17b 3.75±0.17b 78.15±11.06ab Dibi 4.5±0.23b 3.75±0.23b 50.0±14.28ac Likok 4.19±0.14c 3.44±0.14c 48.94±8.74c Mbang 3.5±0.28a 2.75±0.28a 50.0±17.49ac Ngan-Ha 4.0±0.23ac 3.25±0.23ac 59.25±14.28abc Lafia didango 4.38±0.20b 3.63±0.20b 79.29±12.36ab Idool 4.0±0.15ac 3.25±0.15ac 64.02±9.35ac Tello 3.93±0.15ac 3.18±0.15ac 91.06±9.35b General 3.96±0.46 3.21±0.46 64.37±26.02 Sign ** ** NS

a, b: Average values on the same column with different letters are significantly different to 5% (p < 0.05). Sign: NS significance: Non-significant difference between groups at 5% (p ≥ 0.05). - a highly significant difference between the 5% groups (p < 0.001).

Table 17. Mortality Parameters

Localities Calf mortality Calf mortality Infantile Youth mortality Adult mortality Mortality rate rate rate mortality rate rate rate global Moyen ± Ecart-type (%) Lahoré Vina 25.0±5.67a 0±8.36a 7.74±5.47ab 2.78±3.01a 3.75±2.63ab 5.05±3.37ab Ngaoundéré 6.26±3.03b 11.48±4.47ab 9.81±2.93ab 1.26±1.61a 4.61±1.41ab 7.12±1.80ab Margol 4.76±3.59b 14.48±5.29ab 9.53±3.46ab 4.54±1.90a 2.98±1.67ab 7.36±2.13ab Nyambaka 2.0±5.07b 13.0±7.48ab 7.78±4.89ab 4.44±2.69a 5.28±2.36ab 5.83±3.01ab Dibi 0±6.55b 0±9.65a 0±6.32a 0±3.47a 0.88±3.04ab 0.52±3.89a Likok 0±4.01b 2.5±5.91a 1.56±3.87a 1.14±2.13a 3.59±1.86ab 3.35±2.38a Mbang 0±8.02b 0±11.82ab 0±7.74ab 0±4.25a 0±3.73ab 0±4.76a Ngan-Ha 5.56±6.55b 0±9.65a 2.08±6.32ab 3.33±3.47a 1.59±3.04ab 2.41±3.89a Lafia didango 5.0±5.67b 6.25±8.36ab 8.13±5.47ab 0±3.01a 0±2.63a 4.42±3.37a Idool 4.76±4.29b 13.57±6.32ab 7.66±4.14ab 3.30±2.27a 1.92±1.99ab 5.87±2.55a Tello 6.21±4.29b 26.67±6.32b 15.68±4.14b 3.01±2.27a 7.26±1.99b 13.10±2.55b General 5.35±11.81 10.40±17.26 7.72±10.97 2.38±5.76 3.52±5.24 6.10±6.96 Sign NS NS NS NS NS NS a. b: the mean values on the same column with different letters are significantly different at 5% (p <0.05).NS: Non-significant difference between the groups at 5% (p ≥ 0.05); Sign: significance Int. J. Agric. Pol. Res. 75

Table 18. Milk production of reared breeds of cattle

Breeds or crosses Average Daily production (L) Goudali 1.5 Djafoun (RedFulani) 4 Akou (White Fulani) 4 Bokolo 1.5 Holstein 9 Goudali X Charolais 3 Goudali X Montbeliarde 5 Goudali X Holstein 4 Charolaise X Goudali 4 Goudali X Simmental 5 Goudali X Brahman 2 Djafoun X Holstein 5

Table 19. Milk production parameters

Localities Average quantity / day Expected quantity / day Medium± Gap-type (L) Lahoré Vina 26.88±7.24a 58.38±12.65a Ngaoundéré 22.68±3.87a 42.11±6.76abc Margol 22.45±4.58a 52.35±8.0a Nyambaka 11.0±6.47ab 29.8±11.32abc Dibi 5.0±8.36ab 22.5±14.61abc Likok 7.09±5.12b 31.13±8.95abc Mbang 28.5±10.24ab 26.75±17.89abc Ngan-Ha 9.17±8.36ab 36.5±14.61abc Lafia didango 11.75±7.24ab 20.88±12.65bc Idool 10.36±5.47ab 27.43±9.56abc Tello 18.64±5.47ab 21.36±9.56c General 16.58±15.15 35.82±26.14 Sign * NS

a. b: the mean values on the same column with different letters are significantly different at 5% (p <0.05). L: litre; Sign: significance: Non-significant difference between the groups at 5% (p ≥ 0.05). *: significant difference between the groups at 5% (p <0.05).

the amounts of milk expected by these farmers using at the localities are significantly similar (p>0.05). The localities same time (i.e. 100% fertility), all the cows they own in Lafia Didango and Tello had gross and net growth as well as milk production show no significant difference (p>0.05) the numerical yield much higher than for the other between localities (Table 19). localities because the breeders are not too involved in agriculture and take care of their herds. This means that the Digital operating parameters numbers of farms in these two localities increased rapidly during the year due to a high birth rate among herds and The Department of Vina presented an overall exploitation imports. rate of 4.83 ± 7.21%, with an exploitation rate of 5.59 ± 13.33% for males and 3.49 ± 6.07 % for females. The Modeling of herd structures immigration rate was 4.65 ± 8.65% with a gross increase of 34.45 ± 26.02% for a net increase of 29.79 ± 23.32% and a The data on the herds surveyed allowed us to obtain the numerical yield of 34.62 ± 21.68% (Table 20). All these parameters necessary for modelling each herd. The analysis operating parameters do not present significant differences of the modelled structure based on the herd parameters (p ≥ 0.05) between the localities. But we noted a great made it possible to judge the stability of the structures variability of these parameters between the visited formed. A herd structure is considered stable when the age localities. The growths (gross and net) were high and pyramid formed for that herd shows a constant increase positive, which meant that these farms had a high birth from year to year and unstable otherwise. rate, low mortality and low animal exploitation. The other In general, 22.39% of the farms showed a stable exploitation parameters (female exploitation rate, overall structure, 77.61% an unstable structure (Table 21). This exploitation rate, immigration rate, numerical growth herd instability could be because many dairy farms are (gross and net) and numerical yield) of the different young, so their herd is under construction. Numerous Edima et al. 76

Table 20. Digital operation parameters

Localities Male Female Overall Immigration Gross growth Net growth yield exploitation exploitation operating rates rate rate rate Medium ± Gap-type (%) Lahoré Vina 10.0±6.69ab 8.71±2.94ac 9.27±3.53ac 7.78±4.27ab 24.88±12.30ac 17.10±11.09a 26.37±10.25ac Ngaoundéré 2.47±3.58a 2.74±1.57ab 3.21±1.89ab 2.52±2.28a 31.67±6.58a 29.14±5.93abc 32.35±5.48a Margol 14.32±4.23b 4.18±1.86abc 9.34±2.24c 5.41±2.70ab 24.69±7.78a 19.28±7.01a 28.62±6.48a Nyambaka 6.32±5.98ab 3.88±2.63abc 5.45±3.16abc 1.08±3.82a 35.31±11.00abc 34.23±9.92abc 39.68±9.16abc Dibi 0±7.72ab 0±3.39ab 0±4.08ab 0±4.93a 32.26±14.20abc 32.26±12.80abc 32.26±11.83abc Likok 9.21±4.73ab 1.14±2.08b 4.04±2.50abc 6.55±3.02ab 25.11±8.70a 18.55±7.84a 22.60±7.25a Mbang 7.69±9.46ab 2.63±4.16abc 4.65±5.0abc 6.98±6.04ab 34.80±17.40abc 27.83±15.68abc 32.48±14.49abc Ngan-Ha 9.06±7.72ab 5.06±3.39abc 6.61±4.08abc 0±4.93a 16.11±14.20a 16.11±12.80 a 22.72±11.83a Lafia didango 2.17±6.69ab 10.49±2.94c 8.45±3.53abc 14.84±4.27b 68.22±12.30bc 53.39±11.09bc 61.84±10.25bc Idool 0±5.06a 0±2.22b 0±2.67b 1.63±3.23a 38.16±9.30abc 36.53±8.38abc 36.53±7.75abc Tello 0±5.06a 3.96±2.22abc 3.68±2.67abc 6.93±3.23b 55.13±9.30c 48.2±8.38c 51.88±7.75c General 5.59±13.33 3.49±6.07 4.83±7.21 4.65±8.65 34.45±26.02 29.79±23.32 34.62±21.68 Sign NS NS NS NS NS NS NS a. b: the mean values on the same column with different letters are significantly different at 5% (p <0.05). NS: Non-significant difference between the groups at 5% (p ≥ 0.05); Sign: significance

Table 21. distribution of structures by the locality: number of farms (percentage)

Localities Unstable Stable Total online Lahoré Vina 4.48 1.49 5.97 Ngaoundéré 19.40 1.49 20.90 Margol 11.94 2.99 14.93 Nyambaka 5.97 1.49 7.46 Dibi 4.48 0 4.48 MbangBouhari 1.49 1.49 2.99 Ngan-Ha 0 34.48 4.48 LafiaDidango 5.97 0 5.97 Idool 7.46 2.99 10.45 Tello 8.96 1.49 10.45 Total column 77.61 22.39 100

Table 22. Changes in modelled structures of dairy farms

Settings Unstable Stable General Medium ± Gap-type (%) Medium ± Gap-type(%) Average dairy production (L/J) 15.71±2.10a 19.60±3.92a 16.58±15.15 Number of FAR (head) 19±1a 20±2a 19±9 Total staff (head) 38±2a 48±5a 40±18

FAR: female of reproductive age. L/J: litre per day

producers (67.26%) of milk have other herds of breeding both their workforce and the number of FAR and their dairy cattle that are located in more or less remote areas, which production (Table 22). they call upon by importing pregnant cows or exporting less productive cows, some heifers and young bulls, irregularly modifying the structure of their herd thus DISCUSSION making certain herds unstable. The classification by locality of farms shows us that the localities of Likok and Ngan-Ha The distribution of dairy farms in this figure reveals that had the largest number of farms with a stable herd farmers prefer to be nearby markets places where they can structure, with three farms each. easily sell their product before or after the transformation. Farms with stable structures do not differ significantly (p Martin (2002) also shows that most of the dairy farms were ≥ 0.05) from those with unstable structures in terms of located in Ngaoundéré which is a big market for milk Int. J. Agric. Pol. Res. 77

distribution and consumption. Similar observations were made by Touré et al. (2015) in The farms in the Vina were mostly owned by the Peulh. Mali. This is consistent with the observations of Mingoas et al. The main ingredients of dietary supplements given to (2014) in the same locality. Apart from Koranic education, animals to fill the gap of poor pasture of the dry season, are: 43% of these dairy farmers did not go to school in their corn (energy source) and cotton meal (protein source) and youth. This low level of schooling may be because these cooking salt or natron (mineral source). This is because breeders come from pastoralist parents who were reluctant is the most cultivated cereal in the region and the to send their children to formal school. cotton meal comes from SODECOTON in the neighbouring The majority of farms visited started dairy production region. Similar observations have been reported on dairy recently (46% after 2010). This shows a late awakening of farms in north-western Cameroon (Bayemi et al., 2005), farmers in this sector which came as a result of the where maize, cotton cake and salt were the main initiative of the Cameroonian government to revive local ingredients for livestock supplements milk production through projects. Also, the infrastructure is Most farmers did not have the supports to help them mostly traditional. The only infrastructure owned by the keep track of their farm. The technical-economic aspect of majority (93%)of Breeders is the enclosure that is formed diary production is not very important for most of them. by wooden stakes or trees bound together by barbed wire This may be because more than half the farmers are not to prevent the animals from entering or exiting; unlike taking milk production as their main source of revenue. In dairy farms in the traditional system described in North- most of the cases, milk production is a secondary product of West Cameroon, where farms did not have pens (Bayemi et cattle rearing in those farms. The result is similar to what al., 2005). was observed in the Vina Departement by Mingoas, (2014). As far as farm activities are concerned, 84% of farmers The proportion of farms using veterinarians for animal produced milk permanently by adopting techniques to limit health monitoring (34%) in our study could be as a result of the effect of the season on production. A higher proportion the lack of cooperation between veterinarians and breeders was reported on Farms in Dakar with 91% of permanent and also the heavy cost of displacing the vet due to the milk producers (Sery, 2003). This technique is association remoteness of the breeding areas from the urban centre. with agricultural activity (75%), which would allow the Higher results were reported by Kibwana, (2012) in DRC animals to benefit from agricultural by-products or even and Sery (2003) in Dakar where veterinarians were improved forage during the dry season. Similar employed either permanently or consultants in 70% of observations have been made on dairy farms in Dakar. dairy farms. While in the DRC the majority of herders preferred to breed The main disease threatening the farms in our study is only livestock (Kibwana, 2012). This could be due to their the foot-and-mouth disease. This disease has become environment allowing the existence of green pasture all endemic in this area and is not among the diseases year round. vaccinated by the MINEPIA vaccination campaign. A similar Poly-farming (association of milk production with result was reported by Mingoas et al. (2006) where the another livestock activity (embouche, poultry, etc.) is rarely foot-and-mouth disease was the disease that caused the encountered in our dairy farms, maybe due to the culture of most mortality in Vina. Different results have been reported the Peulhs of this locality. This result is different from what on dairy farms in northwestern Cameroon, where livestock was seen in dairy farms in the suburban area of Dakar farming is more at risk from tick-borne diseases where it was intensively practised (Sery, 2003). (babesiosis, anaplasmosis, dermatophilosis, cowdriosis) Natural riding is the most widely used mode of (Bayemi et al., 2005). And also in Guinea Bissau, where coal, reproduction. This could be due to the high cost of the pasteurellosis, parasitosis (ecto and endoparasites) and artificial insemination operation, which is not yet well brucellosis are the main threats to dairy farms (Somda et popularized in the locality. This result is similar to those al., 2004). While it was mastitis that threatened 's reported by many authors on farms in sub-Saharan commercial farms (Onwuka et al., 1995). countries such as the DRC where it is practised by 95% of However, the milking was done manually on all the farms herders (Kibwana, 2012); 87.4% of herders in the Vina in studied. This could be due to the low number of cows on Cameroon (Mingoas, 2014) and by 91.1% of herders in the farms, thus showing the lack of intensification on our farms. peri-urban region of the northern province of Khartoum Similar results were obtained on dairy farms in (Elniema et al., 2011). northwestern Cameroon (Bayemi et al. 2005). As well as on All dairy farmers practice a sedentary farming method, Algerian dairy farms, due to the unavailability of milking essential for stable milk production. This is similar to the machines (Kaouche-Adjlane, 2015). This milking is carried observations made by Thornton (2010) and Touré et al. out mainly by herdsmen (70%) who keep their employer's (2015) in Mali. But this milk production reveals seasonal livestock and thus limit expenses. While in the Northwest variability, as noted by Belhadia et al. (2009) in Algeria trafficking is done by women and children (Bayemi, 2005). cause by the decrease in forage resources and the drying up The milk production varied depending on the season. of some streams during the dry season. To deal with this Similar results were obtained by Essomba et al. in 2005 in problem almost all herders supplement the feeding of their Ngaoundéré; but the amount of milk produced in dry and livestock during this period either to allow the cows to raining seasons are higher than what they found at that resist during this harsh period, or to keep production high, time (0.85 to 1L/day and 1.5 to 2 L/day) respectively. This thus making milk production permanent and high. may be because during the dry season, almost all farmers in Edima et al. 78

our study area enhance milk production by supplementing reflect the primary objective of the herders, which is dairy the feeding of their livestock and thereby allowing the cows production. to resist during this harsh period. Also, the use of mixed Also, the proportion of potential breeding heifers in the breeds goes in that way because their milk production does herds studied is too low, less than 14.31 ±6.81% obtained not drop significantly and they are more resistant to harsh from N'Dama Cheptels in traditional breeding systems in period (Kelly et al., 2016). Benin (Alkoiret et al., 2010). This low 2-year heifer rate This study shows that the majority of dairy farms do not could be because many dairy farms have been built have any real ambitions for dairy specialisation, nor the recently, so to start production quickly, farmers get the necessary know-how, as noted on Moroccan farms by cows to build their livestock. It may also be due to the Bouslikhane (1998) and Sraïri (2004). And are family farms farming practice of some breeders, who move some heifers similar to the observations of Duteurtre (2007) and to another herd to reduce the cost of feeding within the Corniaux (2012) in West Africa. This makes it difficult for dairy herd them to specialize in dairy farming. The average fertility rate (64.37±26.02) found in our Thus, we have group (I) composed of older breeders who study was higher than that of zebus (60%) reported by practice traditional breeding using local breeds and their Sokouri et al. (2010). However, there is a great deal of experiences of old dairy projects in the area to produce and variability between communities. Higher rates were market their milk: while Group (II) is made up of obtained on dairy farms in the periurban area of inexperienced young people who have acquired their herd Ouagadougou respectively for large traditional farms, small by inheritance and using local breeds to temporarily traditional farms and improved farms of 67.67±24.43%; produce a small amount of milk. And Group 3, led by 78.14±22.34% and 84.23±26% (Ouedraogo, 1995). wealthy, educated and trained dairy farmers, wanting to However, the average age of first calving (3.96±0.46 save in this sector, using few mostly improved cows that years) obtained in this department consisting mainly of they put in improved conditions, to produce a fairly large Goudali cattle, were lower than those obtained for this amount of milk. A similar typology based on the same breed in the Wakwa zootechnical station by Messina et al. characteristics was obtained in the suburban area of Dakar (1995) and Njoya, (1997) in Northern Cameroon, which and Thiès in Senegal (Sery, 2003). Also giving rise to 3 was 4.42±0.7 years and 4.42±1.33 years, respectively. This groups of farms. could be due to the method used in this study for data Besides, good milk production must also take into collection that calls for the memory of breeders thus giving account the composition of the herd both in terms of the an approximative answer. number of FAR and the genetic quality of the FAR. The overall mortality rate (6.10±6.96%) was significantly The breeds involved in dairy products are mainly made higher than that obtained at the Wakwa zootechnical up of local breeds, contrary to observations made by station, which was 1.6 to 3.6% (Tawah et al., 1989). This Belkheir et al. (2011) and Belhadia et al. (2009) in Algeria could be because the Wakwa zootechnical Station is a where exotic breeds are the only ones used, as well as in breeding area controlled by veterinarians and where Dakar, where they use 77% of exotic breeds (Sery, 2003). prophylactic measures and animal feeding are better The reluctance to use exotic breeds in this study was ensured. But this rate is lower than that of traditional dairy because they are difficult to obtain and require a lot of farms in the periurban area of Ouagadougou, which was maintenance in addition to the harsh conditions of the 8.40±4.79% (Ouedraogo, 1995). A higher rate of up to tropical zone. The other reason raised by breeders was the 14.6% was also obtained in some farms in North Cameroon low productivity of these breeds are modest in the study (Njoya, 1997). area (Corniaux, 2012). Ba Diao, (2006) reported the use of The young animal mortality rate (2.38±5.76%) is lower more mixed breeds (47.7%) followed by Holstein pure than in Wakwa station (3.5%) Bambui (10%) (Tawah et al., breeds (43.1%) on the dairy farms in Dakar. On the other 1989). This result is similar to the one reported in the DRC hand, Boukary et al. (2007) reports the use of local breeds by Kibwana (2012) where the mortality rate was 4.2%. As (89%) and mixed breeds (11%) in Niamey farms. well as those reported in the periurban area of The average herd size (40±18 heads) was well below that Ouagadougou where the mortality rate in young animals of 218 heads in Dakar’s dairy farms (Ba Diao et al., 2006) respectively for large traditional farms, small traditional and 133.5±0.2 heads in dairy farms in the DRC (Kibwana et and improved farms were 3.85±10.48%, 7.62±13.2% and al., 2012). But this size is larger than that of 9.77 heads of 8.26±2.25% (Ouedraogo, 1995). However, the calf mortality Algerian farms (Bendiab et al., 2011). rate was higher than 6.4% reported in DRC (Kibwana et al., Herds are made up of an average of 73.16±8.54% of 2012) but lower than those reported in Ouagadougou females comprising 46.45±10.78% of cows compared to 15.27±13.16%; 18±11.64%; 9.48±9.99% respectively for 26.84±8.54% of males. This high cow rate is similar to the large traditional farms, small traditional farms and results reported by several authors on African dairy farms: improved farms (Ouedraogo, 1995). Thus, this calf such as that of 45 to 80% of cows by Ejlertsen et al. (2011) mortality could be attributed to the removal of milk from in West Africa; 50-90% cows by Belhadia et al. (2013) in the heavy milking of cows by shepherds for sale at high- Algeria and 69% females comprising 34% cows by paying prices, to the detriment of calves (Njoya et al., 1997), Ouedraogo (1995) in Ouagadougou. This general structure as well as to neonatal diseases. of dairy herds in the Adamawa Division consisting of a large The average milk production of the various cows proportion of cows and a small proportion of bulls would encountered in the field is lower than those reported at the Int. J. Agric. Pol. Res. 79

Wakwa zootechnical station by Tawah et al. (1999) which a variety of reasons. Cultural factors can play a role at this are respectively for the Holstein, Mixed Goudali X Holstein level: prohibitions or sometimes deep-seated fears in the and the Mixed Goudali X Montbeliard of 10.6 L/J, 6L/J and mentalities of herders to declare livestock numbers 5L/J respectively and also by Messina et al. (1995) for the (Lhoste, 2001). Goudali breed of 2.57±0,19L/J. This difference could be explained by the fact that farmers only consider the amount of milk, whereas, in studies for estimating a cow's milk CONCLUSION production, the amount of milk consumed by the calf is also taken into account. Also, this could be due to feeding The survey of 67 dairy farms belonging to 11 zootechnical problems encountered in traditional farms during the dry centres in the Department of Vina examined the general season. But the productions of the recorded Djafoun breeds characteristics, demographics of milk-producing farms and are higher than those of the Bambui station (2.99L/J) herd structure. This study shows that three types of dairy (Messina et al., 1995). production systems are located in this Division and In general, males are more exploited than females. The distinguishing itself from each other by the characteristics heifers will be used to replace old cows in reform to of the owners, the farm itself, the livestock management as maintain or increase production. The same observation was well as practicing them in health and hygiene treats. made in the small and large dairy farms of Ouagadougou, Demographic study reveals herds that generally have the where male and female exploitation rates were structure of a dairy farm but use more local breeds 17.12±26.79% and 1.71±4.03% on small farms and (Goudali) of poor milk production. Analysis of modelled 19.36±10.52% and 3.03±3.85% on large farms (Ouedraogo, structures formed showed more unstable herd structures 1995). These rates were lower than those of traditional that did not allow for stabilization of dairy production on African cattle herds, which ranged from 10% to 15% (Dollé, farms. The increase in local production would necessarily 1884). require certain actions that should be taken by both However, overall herd exploitation rates in all government authorities and producers. This study has led communities are low, meaning that owners rarely dispose to several sets of recommendations concerning the of their animals. This is only done if there is a problem or to different stakeholders in milk production. buy feed for the animals during the dry season. The animals The increase in local production would necessarily go sold are most often bulls or old cows. The same observation through actions that should be undertaken by both was made by Chabi et al. (2016) for The Fulani breeders of government authorities and producers; the government has Benin. The overall exploitation rate is higher than in the to create a service for genetic improvement of local cows DRC (2.6%) (Kibwana et al., 2012), but lower than those of from the seeds of highly productive breeds, through small and large farms in Ouagadougou, which were insemination campaigns. It will also have to set up a credit 7.91±8.75% and 9.55±5.76% respectively (Ouedraogo union for the dairy sub-sector, responsible for carefully 1995). studying the projects of the breeders before The average immigration rate (4.65±8.65) of herds is also implementation. At the level of breeders, they must be low meaning that the owners brought few new animals into ready to train in the technical and economic monitoring of a the herd but with a lower rate (0.97%) (Kibwana et al., dairy farm; set up a prophylaxis program established by a 2012). veterinarian; Organize themselves into a cooperative to Modelling of the herd structure studied in the facilitate their supply of veterinary products, animal feed, department of Vina showed that the majority (78%) farms and restructure their herd in such a way as to that it is have unstable structures. This instability of exploitation made up of a sufficient number of females in reproductive could be because many farms are young and their herds are age. under construction. It can also be attributed to the farming practice of transferring animals from the dairy herd to a Conflict of interests traditional herd and vice versa. Similar structures were reported by Alkoiret et al. (2010) and Corniaux et al. 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Appendix 1: the questionnaire use for the survey the interviews with the actors were structured and summarized as follows

1.Characterization and activities of the owner: notably information about the owner (age, sex, ethnicity, religion, level of education and training in dairy production), information related to the activity of the farm, such as by who it was managed, the presence of the owner and the number of permanent staff working on the farm; 2. characterization of the farm: notably information on the location of the farm, the status of the farm (private or rented), the date of creation, the area, the presence of livestock the infrastructure, the others activities of the farmer and their frequency of production (temporary or permanent); 3.herding: notably information on animals raised on the farm, the numbers of the cattle by sex, breed and age, the reproductive mode, the mortality, the imports and exports during the last twelve months; 4. breeding conduct: to find out if the animals are going to pasture, transhumance and during what period, if they give food supplements to their animals (at what time, at what frequency, at what category of animals), where do they drink and if they use technical and economic supports in the management of their farm (animal identification sheet, production sheet, reproduction sheet, food stock tracking, health monitoring and recipe book and farm expenditure). 5.health and hygiene: to find out who was in charge of the health aspect of their farm, the diseases frequently encountered, their prophylaxis program, their source of veterinary product supply, an annual estimate of their expenditure on veterinary products and the fate of farm waste; 6. production and marketing: to see the period when calving is most common, the number of females in lactation, information on milking (method, frequency, the person in charge, milk hygiene) and average daily production and milk sales price.

Appendix 2: animals parameters observed during the survey the animal parameters were collected as follows

1. The number of animals on farms: The number of animals by age group and gender was determined by the counting of the animals present on the farm and by the questioning of the shepherd. 2.The breed of animals: In young animals born on the farm, the breed was determined from the breeds of their progenitors. While in adult animals or imported animals, it was determined from the morphological characteristics and dress of the animal in question. 3. The sex of animals: Each animal was classified as male or female based on the observation of the external genitalia male (penis and testicles) or female (vulva and udders). 4. The age of the animals: The age of the farm-born animals was determined either by the date of birth of the animals tattooed on the right thigh of the animal or by the estimate of their age by the shepherd remembering the period of the birth of the animal. For imported animals, the age estimate was established by examination of the horn or examination of teeth.The estimate of age by examining the horn and the number of furrows on the horn was based on the method described by Debbot and Constantine (1968), cited by Doba, (2016). The ages and presentations of the appropriate horns are: - 1 month: the presence of horn cup and disappearance of hairs (no furrow), - 3 months: 2 to 3 cm horn bud (no furrow), - 4 months: the calf's horn is no longer mobile (no furrow), - 5 months: the calf's horn is no longer mobile (no furrow), - 2 years: horn made (no furrow), - Over 2 years: the age of the cattle is determined by the following formula; Age (years)= the number of furrows on the horn+2. The age estimation by examination of teething was made by observing the transformations and changes undergone by the animal's incisive teeth. This was conducted according to the method described by Dumas and Lhoste (1966): - up to 24 months: deciduous incisors, - 26 months: permanent tongs rash, - 29 months: permanent tongs are at the table, - 32 months: the eruption of the first permanent terraces, - 36 months: the first permanent terraces are at the table, - 39 months: the eruption of the second permanent terraces, - 43 months: the second permanent terraces are at the table, - 54 months: the eruption of permanent corners, - 60 months: the permanent corners are at the table.