Economics of Dairy Production Systems in Khartoum State - East Nile Locality: A case Study of (Hielat Kuku)

Abstract

This study aimed at studying the socio-economic characteristics of dairy producers, analyzing the characters of dairy breeds herds and investigating costs, returns and profits gained from dairy production in Hillat Kuku Area. Non-probability sampling technique was used to collect data from 60 milk producers in the study area, by means of a well set questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and partial budget techniques were used to reach to the stated objectives. The results revealed that; most of the farmers had low educational level, high experience in dairy production and depended solely on dairy production for their living. The herd structure composed of 22% male and 78% female. Herd structure of female groups reflected very poor and an inefficient manner of herd composition, hence negatively reflected in the production costs. Herd characters of the hybrid breeds (hybrid Kenana- Frisian, and/or Butana-Frisian) which are mainly used in the study area reflected an improvement in this sector in terms of milk production 8, lactation period, calving interval and age at first calving. On the other hand, animal feeding and labors were the most costly items of dairy production. Results also revealed that dairy industry has positive and encouraging profit to invest in. Mixed-farming, extensive extension program to enlighten producers about the optimal herd structure and adoption of technology should be used to improve this sector.