Evaluation of Sociodemographic

Abstract

Animal husbandry practices in 54 small ruminant farms were assessed through on-site visits and structured interviews in this study. The questionnaire included two sections: sociodemographic characteristics (8 questions) and livestock management practices (27 dichotomous items; Yes = 1

No = 0) covering four domains which focused on farm management

udder health

milking hygiene

and antibiotic use perceptions. Domain-specific and total scores were calculated to quantify adherence to recommended practices. Most farms were family-run (92.6%)

and farmers had extensive experience (26.3 ± 13.7 years; P < 0.05). Education levels were low

with over half completing only primary school and one-fifth being illiterate. Livestock served as the primary source of income for one-third of households (P< 0.05). Evaluation of farm management

udder health

milking hygiene

and antibiotic use practices revealed an average total score of 9.28 out of 27

indicating correct implementation of only 34.3% of practices. Milking hygiene had the lowest compliance (9.3%)

whereas farm management scored highest (46.1%). Scores differed significantly among domains (P< 0.001). In conclusion

small ruminant farms in the region are largely family-operated

with limited formal education and low compliance with recommended management

udder health

milking hygiene

and antibiotic-use practices. The very low adherence to proper milking hygiene highlights the need for targeted training and extension programs to improve farmers’ knowledge and support evidence-based livestock management.