| dc.description.abstract | Diseases among dairy cattle are a great hindrance to the profitability of the dairy sector of
which mastitis produces significant economic losses. This study assessed farmers’ knowledge,
attitude, and practices regarding the management of mastitis in cattle on their farms. The
study was done in Katabi town council, Entebbe, Wakiso district. This was a descriptive
cross-sectional study that employed only quantitative methods of data collection. Data was
collected from 93 dairy farmers. A semi-structured questionnaire and a checklist were used to
collect data from study participants through face to face and observation techniques. Logistic
regression analysis was used to analyse study findings. Almost half ,46.8%, of the study
respondents were not aware if mastitis can occur without any signs and symptoms. Whereas
86% agreed that it is necessary to regularly check for mastitis, there was no evidence of
regular mastitis checking among 79.6% of the study respondents. According to farmers’
knowledge, the major cause of mastitis was micro-organisms/ infection (65.4%) and 76.5%
reported that the source of infection is poor hygiene. 71% agreed that it is necessary to use
lubricant during milking. Only 17.2% carried out regular mastitis checking and 71% did not
do the proper milking method. There was a high level of knowledge and positive attitudes of
respondents regarding mastitis disease. However, majority of the respondents didn’t practice
what they actually knew. Production department should continuously prioritize vigorous
sensitization of farmers about mastitis disease. This study recommends that identification of
the practices associated with mastitis will help to take necessary steps to reduce the
prevalence mastitis. The most effective way to control mastitis is to take preventive measures
such as regular cleaning of the floor, keeping the udder clean, milkman's cleanliness, and dry
cow therapy especially in high yielding cows. | en_US |
