Risk factors associated with the post-harvest loss of milk along camel milk value chain in Isiolo County, Kenya

摘要: Camel milk is an important commodity in the arid and semi-arid lands where it forms their basic diet, a major source of income serves significant cultural function to pastoralists. However, camel production faced with challenges that contributes post-harvest losses due poor quality safety. This study aimed at determining risk factors may contribute along Isiolo value chain. The survey data was collected through structured questionnaire key informant interview while microbiological counts were determined using ISO methods. There hygiene herd level high Staphylococcus aureus count found on udder swab, milkers’ hand milking container which recorded 1.4×104 cfu/cm2, 1.5×104 5.9×103 cfu/ml, respectively. In other chain nodes, significantly (p<0.05) different hands retailers around town, cooling hub/bulking Nairobi Eastleigh area recording S. 4.9×103, 1.3×104, 3.7×103 problem accessing adequate potable water than nodes. plastic containers not disinfected any chemical sanitizes after washing, however smoke fumigated them. disease management poor. Both sick health camels milked bulked together. therefore indicates could be one most contributor deterioration Improvement can help reduce losses.   Key words: milk, handling practices, safety, factors, losses, Isiolo.