The Effects of Management System on the Reproductive Efficiency, Calf mortality and Embryonic losses in Sudanese Camel

Abstract

This research has been conducted to investigate the effects of management system on production and reproductive efficiency, calf mortality & embryonic losses in some Sudanese camel's breeds and assess the difference of some biochemical blood parameters under their natural nomadic management system at El Butana region, south eastern Sudan and intensive management systems in Khartoum state center of Sudan. Results of reproduction and reproduction traits were as follow: For reproduction no significant differences (P≥ 0.05) between the two systems in puberty age of the male and female, number of services per conception and Gestation period. On the other hand there were significant differences (p≤0.05) between the two systems in Age of camel (male and female) at first mating, Age of female at first calving, Days open and also there were high significant differences (p≤0.01) in Reproductive age of camel (male and female), Duration of estrus period, first estrous after parturition and Calving Interval all in favour of the Intensive system. For production traits there were no significant differences (P≥ 0.05) between the two systems in number of milking /day and milk production per day while there was significant differences (p≤0.05) between the two systems in lactation length in favour of Intensive system. The results of the current study revealed that nomadic system recorded higher percentage in abortion more than in intensive system (P≤ 0.05) and the biggest problem causing embryonic losses in Sudanese camel are slaughtering of pregnant females as found in the Slaughterhouse at Tumboul area, also many reasons play a role in the incidence of abortion in she-camels. XIX Calves mortality rate was higher (p≤0.01) in nomadic system (more than 5% of herd ratio) than intensive system (1-5% of herd ratio). The majority of mortality occurs at small ages. Calves mortality is obvious as the most serious problem for the farmer. Serum samples of Sudanese camel were analyzed for concentrations of steroid hormones including estradiol-17 (E2), progesterone (P4) and thyroid hormones; Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4). They were determined by ELISA reader. It has been observed that the P4 was significantly (P≤ 0.05) higher in the nomadic system compared to the intensive system, contrary to T4 which was significantly (P≤ 0.000) very high in favour of intensive system. On the other hand there were no significant deference (P≥0.05) between the two systems in E2 and T3 despite they were high in nomadic system. Blood minerals of Sudanese camel were determined photometricaly by Atomic absorption using Spectrophotometer for Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Zinc. It has been observed that all trace elements showed very high significant differences (P≤ 0.000) between the two systems in favour of nomadic system. Blood biochemical of Sudanese camel were studied and determined by some parameters such as Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin, Glucose, Total Bilirubin, Cholesterol, Urea Concentration, Uric Acid and Creatinine. This study revealed that there were no significant deferent (P≥0.05) between the two systems in Glucose and Creatinine. But there was a high significant difference (P≤ 0.000) in Urea Concentration in favour of intensive system. Furthermore there were high significant differences (P≤ 0.000) between the two systems in Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin, Total Bilirubin, Cholesterol and Uric Acid in XX favour of nomadic system. It is concluded that; Reproductive performances of camels under nomadic management system (Butana region) were low which could lead to delayed age of first breeding season and increased calving interval. On the other side most camels in Butana region though are generally considered to be in good health and excellent condition, doubtless because of the ample availability of feed in the form of durra byproducts and hence availability of feed for she camels under nomadic system increased and improved most of the blood parameter.