Seasonality of bovine milk production and implications for the reinforcement of industrial collection in Skikda Wilaya (Algeria)

Abstract

A study of the dairy sector in the wilaya of Skikda in Algeria analyzed the seasonality of milk production on 157 cattle farms and the implications for milk collection by the industry. The surveys covered the two production systems (on land and landless) in 2016 and 2017 to assess the importance of the contributions of the farming systems in supplying dairies. A first principal component analysis identified four delivery profiles. A second analysis carried out on the calvings observed in the herds of the farms showed some agreement between the seasonality of milk deliveries and the distribution of herd calvings. The study also addressed the concepts of territories and distances traveled for milk deliveries to dairies. Some farms delivered their milk to two dairies located in Skikda, which also used a supply of milk powder at subsidized prices. Others delivered their milk to milk collection centers located in the dairy basin and belonging to two industrial dairies located in Bejaia Wilaya more than 250 kilometers away on average. These dairies were also supplied with milk powder but at free market prices. They implemented support systems for farmers that enabled them to diversify their supply in order to smooth the quantities collected and to compensate for the individual seasonality of the farms. Consultation mechanisms would enable these manufacturers to support farmers with more explicit strategies for de-seasoning production.