Evaluation of Small-Scale Milk Cooling Systems for Dairy Farmers in Plateau State

This study evaluates small-scale milk cooling system options for dairy farmers in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Plateau State hosts a significant cattle dairy farming population, particularly among settled Fulani communities in Jos, Shendam, and Mangu areas. Milk quality deterioration due to inadequate cooling is a major challenge that limits the marketable value of fresh milk and contributes to food safety risks. This study compares three milk cooling approaches: traditional clay pot evaporative cooling, ice-based insulated container cooling, and small-scale electric milk chiller, evaluated over 30-day trials under typical Plateau State ambient temperature conditions. Performance metrics include rate of temperature reduction, time to reach 10 degrees Celsius target, total bacterial count at 4 and 8 hours post-milking, milk shelf life, and system cost. Findings reveal that the electric milk chiller achieves the fastest cooling rate and maintains total bacterial count below acceptable limits for 16 hours post-milking. Evaporative clay pot cooling reduces milk temperature by 6 to 8 degrees Celsius below ambient, extending safe holding time by 4 hours compared to no cooling. Ice-based cooling achieves performance between the two other systems. Life cycle cost analysis shows that evaporative cooling is the most affordable option for smallholder farmers without electricity access. The study concludes that system choice should be matched to farm scale and electricity access. It recommends community-level electric chilling centres for areas with electricity supply.

Keywords: milk cooling, dairy farmers, Plateau State, cold chain, food quality.