Awareness of feed regulations and its impact on quality of feed resources by feed dealers

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate awareness of feed regulations and its impact on quality of feed resources by feed dealers. Using a cross-sectional survey, 40 feed dealers were randomly selected from five sub-counties of Mukono District. Data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics to characterize feed dealers, and their awareness of the regulations guiding feeds industry. Logistic regression model was used to assess factors affecting awareness of feed regulations by feed dealers. Results shows that majority (60%) of the feed dealers were aware of the regulations guiding feed industry. Suppliers were the major (62.5%) source of information and delivery of quality feeds services to farmers (57.4%), among others, were the foremost feed regulations mentioned and followed by feed dealers. Distance to the main access road (P≤0.05), access to credit (P≤0.05), access to extension services (P≤0.05), access to water (P≤0.05), membership to group (P≤0.001), and record keeping (P≤0.05) significantly influenced awareness of feed regulations by feed dealers. Majority (60%) maintained the storage facilities with no vermin (32.50%), pallets were placed on ground (30%), proper ventilation (17.5%), routinely scouted and controlled the pathogens (12.5%), and used recommended packaging containers (7.5%). There was a strong positive relationship between awareness and feeds mixing (79.8%), transportation (90.8%), grade/state of raw materials used (72.4%), and business rules and regulation (81.0%). Results also showed a negative relationship between awareness and state of storage facility (69.3%) and mechanization (80.5%). In conclusion, most feed dealers were aware of the feed regulations, and distance to the major access road, and membership to group, among others, were the major determinants of factors affecting awareness of feed regulations by feed dealers.