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In Cameroon, most of the research in milk sector has been focused on the physico-chemical and
microbiological quality of milk without beforehand describing the breeding context. The present work
therefore, aims at shading more light on the milk production conditions and practices. The study was
carried out in sixty dairy farms of the Sudano-Sahelian and Sudano-Guinean zones of Cameroon.
Investigation was based on a pre-designed questionnaire. The questionnaire was answered based on
observations and discussions with the farmers. The main results show that dairy farms’ environments are
not favorable for cows’ comfort and wellbeing. Only 30 % of the farms in the Soudano-Guinean zone
have delimited milking area although these areas are not well managed. In the two zones, Gudali is the
most involved breed in milk production. Cow feed is supplemented in the two zones and milking is
manual. Milk production is more important in Soudano-Guinean zone than in Sudano-Sahelian zone as
well as in the rainy and in the dry seasons. In the two zones, the dairy farm environment and practices do
not favor the animals’ wellbeing.
Key words: zone / milking practices / environment/dairy farm/season.