The dairy sector in Tunisia is based on small-scale farms, with 81% of the breeders owning less than five cows. On these farms, milk is stored in plastic containers, resulting in post-production losses estimated at 10% in the studied region. Due to high temperatures, the present paper aims to study the implementation of an innovative solar-powered milk cooling system in Central Tunisia and assess its profitability for dairy farmers. The methodology is based on a comparison of three small-scale farm business models: a farm without any milk cooling equipment, a farm using an innovative milk cooling technology, and a farm using an electrical cooling tank. Results showed the significance of milk cooling in reducing milk rejection to 0%, leading to a total production of 6400 L per cow by the fifth year. Additionally, milk sales were found to increase due to the premium of 0.010 TND/L for cooled milk paid. In addition, farms utilizing solar-powered milk cooling technology exhibited superior profitability in terms of financial indicators. This research offers a sustainable energy solution for milk cooling on small farms, specifically addressing the challenges faced by these farms located in isolated areas where access to electricity is limited and the availability of milk cooling equipment is lacking.

Increased feed costs affect the livelihoods of dairy sheep farmers in the Middle East. Farmers endure high risks with large fluctuations in the price of grain used as animal feed, which is further affected by drought and declining range productivity. Using agricultural by-products and treated straw or vetch grazing for supplementing sheep diets would provide resource-poor dairy farmers with increased options to reduce feed costs, but the effects of such feeds on the quality of yogurt (the main product) need to be better understood. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate these effects. The first trial evaluated alternative diets using locally available feedstuffs, including agricultural by-products, compared with traditional diets used by dairy sheep farmers, and was conducted on-station at the International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA, Tel Hadya, Aleppo, Syria). Milking Awassi ewes (n=56) were used to test 6 alternative diets against a traditional control diet containing barley, wheat bran, and barley straw. The 6 alternative diets contained 4 or more of the following ingredients: barley, sugar beet pulp, molasses, cotton seed cake, wheat bran, urea-treated wheat straw, and barley straw. Ewes on one of the alternative diets grazed vetch pasture, whereas ewes on the control diet and the 5 alternative diets grazed native range pasture. The milk fat content was higher in diets containing urea-treated straw. Yogurt firmness and adhesiveness were significantly lower in energy-rich diets (e.g., the control diet) and in the diets rich in soluble sugar (molasses). The effects of diet on yogurt color and on citric and succinic acid contents were significant. A yogurt produced from the milk of the group grazing on vetch was the most yellowish in color, which is appealing to Syrian consumers. The content of citric acid tended to be higher in yogurts produced from diets containing molasses. The second trial was conducted on 3 farms in northern Syria to assess an alternative diet (1 of the 6 tested in the first trial) on 15 milking ewes compared with the farmer's traditional diet (control). The alternative diet increased yogurt firmness and adhesiveness by 7 to 9% and 10 to 16%, respectively. The use of nonconventional feeds available in the region enhances yogurt quality, may reduce requirements for expensive grains, and thus, increase farmers' livelihoods by targeting expanding markets with better quality products.

High feed costs are major obstacles for resource-poor dairy sheep farmers in West Asia, along with large fluctuation in grain and straw prices. Farmers need low-cost diets using locally available feeds that can provide sufficient milk of good quality. Two experimental trials were conducted on Awassi milking ewes to evaluate nonconventional and balanced low-cost diets against the traditional unbalanced diet used by farmers (control) on the total yields (milk, fat, protein, and total solids) and milk composition (fat, protein, total solids, and lactose), an important indicator of milk quality. The first trial was conducted at the research station of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA, Aleppo, Syria) to test 6 low-cost balanced diets using locally available feeds and agro byproducts against the control diet. Each diet was tested on 8 ewes that were kept on pasture as a basal diet, but received different supplements, including barley, wheat bran and nonconventional feeds (urea-treated wheat straw, molasses, sugar beet pulp, and cotton seed cake). Five balanced diets enhanced the total yields of milk, fat, protein, and total solids, in 2 cases, significantly. These diets increased total milk yield by 17.7 to 50.2% and decreased supplement feeding costs by 43% compared with the control. However, milk composition remained unaffected. The second trial was conducted on 3 different farms in northern Syria to assess in each farm a low-cost balanced diet on milking ewes (n=15) in comparison to the farmer's control (n=15). The balanced diet was a modification requested by farmers of the best performing diet in the on-station trial. Confirming the first trial's research results, the balanced diet outperformed the control in total yields; for instance, it increased total milk yield by 28 to 40% and raised net income by 30%, without affecting milk composition. Both trials showed that using locally available nonconventional feedstuffs, such as molasses, integrated into balanced dairy sheep diets can decrease feed costs of resource-poor farmers, while enhancing total yields of milk and milk constituents without compromising milk quality components. This will greatly improve the profitability of dairy sheep production in dry areas.

Jameed is a traditional dried dairy product in Jordan that is known under different names in the Middle East, Turkey, Central Asia, China, and Mongolia. It has been produced in the region for centuries and makes a significant contribution (up to 20%) to the income of small-scale traditional dairy processors who are based in sheep-producing districts. This study aims to assess the nutritional value of Jameed as a model for traditional dried fermented dairy products and to highlight the safety of the product quality and some of the health risks that may arise. For this purpose, 80 samples of Jameed were collected from the market covering all regions of the Kingdom of Jordan. The samples were analyzed for nutritional value and health risks by standard and approved methods. Results show that the total solids were 84.57%, with a large variation from 73 to 92%. Producers use a lot of salt to control elevated acidity during the drying of Jameed. The salt concentrations in collected samples were 15.68%. The average acidity was 6.79%. Moreover, farmers heavily use antibiotics to control mastitis without observing milk withdrawal. The residues of antibiotics were detected in 50.65% of the analyzed samples. The samples show large variations in measured values, reflecting differences in processing methods, homogeneity, and standardization.

Arid regions are increasingly impacted by water scarcity and land degradation driven by both anthropogenic pressures and natural factors. In Jordan, a predominantly arid country, strategies have been implemented to mitigate these challenges and adapt to the changing climate. Among these strategies, Marab Water Harvesting Technology (WHT) has been established as a key method for sustainable water management. Traditionally, the cropping system in Marab areas has focused on barley monoculture, which limits the production of ecosystem services. To enhance the production of these positive externalities, vetch (Vicia sativa), a leguminous crop, has been introduced into the cropping system. This diversification aims to improve soil fertility and the quality of fodder available for livestock, and to support sustainable agriculture. Preliminary field data are promising, confirming the effectiveness of Marab WHT in providing sufficient water for vetch cultivation, consistent with existing literature. Additionally, vetch has improved total soil nitrogen and organic matter in the Marab cropping system. To further evaluate the scalability and resilience of this cropping system under varying climatic conditions, the FAO AquaCrop model is being employed to test its application in different regions and its adaptability to climate change.