Characteristics and Constraints of Dromedary Camel Production in South Kordofan State, Sudan

Abstract

This study was conducted to characterize the production systems, evaluate the reproductive performances and management systems, identify the 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, one hundred camel owners were interviewed during March and April, 2014. The study showed that 68% of the camel owners were illiterate. The respondents adopted traditional nomadic system of camel husbandry, and 53% of them preferred camels breeding compared to other livestock species. The mean age at first calving was 4.76 years, the calving interval was 23.61 months, the number of services per conception was 1.08, the age of keeping she camels was 16.87 years, the average milk yield per lactation was 1088.20 kg and the lactation length was 11.70 months. The age at first calving, milk yield and lactation length were significantly (P<0.01) influenced by locality. Aldalang Locality attained the highest values whereas the lowest values were recorded in Alkwiek Locality. However, the 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, lack of security, high disease prevalence and shortage of water. It is concluded that adoption of proper husbandry practices and provision of adequate health services can play significant roles in the improvement of camel production and productivity in the State