Production Characteristics and Limitations of Camel Herds in South Kordofan State, Sudan

Abstract

This study was conducted to characterize the production systems, evaluate reproductive performances and management systems, identify breeding goals, husbandry practices and production constraints of dromedary camels in three localities in South Kordofan State; namely, Algoz, Alkwiek and Aldalang. Through a set of detailed questionnaire. survey, 100 camel owners were interviewed during March 2014 and April 2014.The study showed that 68% of the camel owners were illiterate. The respondents adopted traditional nomadic system, and 53% of them preferred camels over other livestock species for breeding. The mean age at first calving was 4.76years, calving interval 23.61months, number of services per conception 1.08 and age of keeping she camel 16.87 years, the average milk yield 1088.20kg and lactation length 11.70 months; Age at first calving, milk yield and lactation length were significantly (P<0.01) influenced by locality. Aldalang Locality attained the highest values and the lowest values was recorded in Alkwiek Locality ,while calving interval, number of services per conception and age for keeping she camels were not affected. The important production constraints, as defined by the respondents were deficiency of feed and security, disease prevalence and shortage of water. It is concluded that proper husbandry and health services can play a significant role in the improvement of camel production and productivity in the State.