Milk producers urged to observe withdrawal periods

Statistics from the Dairy Services Unit (DSU) show that milk production has been increasing since January this year compared to the same period last year.

Agriculture Specialist Writer

DAIRY processors have urged milk producers to observe withdrawal periods after treating cows to avoid repeating last year’s costly error when 96 066 litres of raw milk worth US$55 718 were rejected for testing positive to antimicrobials.

Information with the Dairy Services Unit (DSU) shows that 96 066 litres of raw milk with a value of US$55 718 delivered to dairy processors by their contracted suppliers tested positive to antimicrobials and was rejected.

The milk was disposed of under supervision of the Department of Veterinary Technical Services’ DSU.

DSU principal dairy officer, Mr Addmore Waniwa said despite the recent growth in milk production by 9, 2 percent to 99, 8 million litres in 2023, last year’s incident cast a negative picture of the dairy industry.

“This is a very worrisome situation when the country is trying to close the gap between demand and supply of raw milk,” he said.

Dairy Processors Association of Zimbabwe (DPAZ) secretary general, Mrs Tendayi Clementine Marecha said milk rejection was chiefly attributed to the presence of antibiotic residue in milk as well as milk turning sour because of not being chilled.

“Some farmers are not observing withdrawal periods after treating cows, yet only milk that tests negative should be put into the bulk tank.

“Some generic antimicrobials that are neither prescribed by doctors nor sold in veterinary shops are being administered.

“Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) should take the necessary steps to control/regulate drugs in the informal market,” she said.

Mrs Marecha also said erratic power cuts of over 12 hours for farmers without generators for back power were causing the souring of milk.

She also said obsolete cooling tanks and tanker breaking downs were affecting farmers who do not have any alternative cooling systems though solar chillers can also be used as alternatives.

“As DPAZ we have quality assurance officers who can test the milk before it’s loaded into the bulk tank and we have also deployed milk supply officers and veterinary doctors to assist farmers with disease control.

“We also do awareness campaigns on antimicrobial resistance and how to be antimicrobial stewards by reducing, refining and replacing the use of antimicrobials,” she added.