Evaluation of Buffalo Milk Production Performance in Elabered Estate Farm

Abstract

Eritrea is a country in which more than 80% of its population is engaged in subsistence agriculture. Due to shortage of availability of feed the milk and milk products are very low. To alleviate the above mentioned problem, the Eritrean government has introduced about 65 buffaloes from Italy in 2009, to improve the living standards of the people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of buffalo milk quality and quantities in comparison to the Holstein Friesian under husbandry practices available in Eritrea. The research was conducted in Elabered Estate Farm under the same environment and the same management system. Data for milk yield per lactation, milk composition, Days open and Management practices was collected based on primary and secondary data collection method. The study showed significant difference in the fat, protein and minerals content of buffalo milk when compared with that of Holstein Friesian. However, Solids -not -fat (SNF) and lactose were found to be non significant. The average number of open days recorded for buffalo and Holstein were 140±15.81 and 117.5±10.41days, respectively with no significant difference. Differences in animal type resulted in significant differences in milk yield performance in July (p< 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in August and September (p> 0.05). The research has realized that buffalo’s milk was highly valuable for human consumption and for making milk products. Based on the results it was concluded that buffaloes are the best to alleviate the scarcity of milk and milk products under the existing Eritrean condition.