DAIRY HERDS STUCTURE AND HUSBANDRY PRACTCES IN DAIRY FARMS IN KHARTOUM STATE, SUDAN

Abstract

This study showed herd strcuture and husbandry practices in 60
dairy farms at different preurban areas of Khartoum, Khartoum North and
Omdurman of Khartoum State (20 farms from each town). Information
about dairy management was collected by questionnaire and direct
interview with farms' owners. The results indicated that there were
significant (P < 0.05) differences in education levels of dairy farms'
owners. Dairy farms' owners in Khartoum exhibit higher illiteracy level
(35%), compared to those in Khartoum North (15%) and Omdurman
(30%). Significant (P< 0.05) differences were obtained in herds size and
herds structure. Moreover, dairy herd numbers were 170.25± 72.83,
123.10± 105.71 and 92.35± 29.23 in Khartoum North, Khartoum and
Omdurman, respectively. Breed type revealed non-significant differences
between the three cities. However, 92% of the cattle in the studied farms
were grade cattle and mainly they were of unknown foreign blood
percentages.
Ideal building materials, design and management practices rarely
practiced in preurban dairy farms at Khartoum (45%) and Khartoum
North (30%). Corrugated iron roof, concrete flour, teats dipping in
antiseptics and machine milking were reported to be very rare.
The present study concluded that the majority of farms were
poorly constructed and they are with limited management skills. This
might create health risk and environemental contaminations. Hence
provision of essential services and extension services among dairy
farmers, labours and milkers were urgently needed on best dairy faming
practices such as housing, milking and general hygiene.