Milk Quality and Mastitis Control Strategies in Indonesian Smallholder Dairy Farms: An Integrated Epidemiological and Economic Analysis

Summary

Mastitis, the most common disease in dairy cattle, reduces both milk quality and production, leading to significant economic losses. This impact is particularly pronounced in low—and middle-income countries, where over half of the world’s milk is produced, predominantly through smallholder farmers. Effective mastitis control in these regions can therefore have a considerable impact. This thesis combines epidemiological and economic analyses to provide tools and motivation to enhance milk quality and mastitis management in Indonesian smallholder dairy farms. By integrating empirical studies with simulation modelling, it identifies key risk factors affecting milk quality, quantifies the economic impact of mastitis, evaluates cost-efficient intervention strategies, and assesses the cost-effectiveness of milk quality monitoring systems. The findings highlight the importance of raising farmer awareness, supporting dairy cooperatives and implementing affordable and practical solutions. This research provides valuable insights into smallholder dairy farms and supports mastitis control efforts on regional, national, and global scales.