Nucleus Herds and their Impact on Buffalo Dairy Production Systems in some Upper Egypt Governorates

Elsorougy, M.; Ayad, A. A.; Abd El-Rahim, Sahar A.

Nucleus Herds and their Impact on Buffalo Dairy Production Systems in some Upper Egypt Governorates

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Animal Production Systems Research Dpt., Animal Production Research Institute (APRI), Agricultural Research Centre (ARC), Ministry of Agricultural and Land Reclaimed, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.

² Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agricultural, Assiut Branch, Al-Azhar University.

Abstract

This study aimed to define the role of buffalo nucleus herds at Experimental Research Station of Mahalat Mosa, Kafrelshaiekh governorate belonging to Animal Production Research Institute (APRI) to raise dairy buffalo herds` productivity, and increase producers` profitability in Upper Egypt of Assiut and Sohag governorates. A structured questionnaire was developed for gathering information on generated production systems. Analytical methods were used to investigate factors affecting dairy systems profitability. Profitability indicated LE per dairy head per season by 6161.1 LE of Sohag herd and 3843.5 LE of Assiut herd. Dairy income contributed mainly from the sale of raw milk. Concentrate rations represented the highest costs and the lowest feed economic efficiency (FEE) (1.6 LE/ day). On the contrary, fodder represented the highest FEE (1560 LE/ day). Milk production was 7.65 kg/ head/ day of Sohag herd and 7.4 kg of Assiut herd. Milk yield recorded 2055.2 kg/ head/ season of Sohag and 2003.7 kg of Assiut during a lactation period length of 268 days in average for each herd. Milk production was decreased by 19.3% per head per day for respondent producers' herds compared to the origin nucleus herd. Data showed Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) was widespread; veterinary hubs weren`t close to the producers locations to get the prescribed vaccinations. Concentrate prices constituted the main difficulty derive belief to offering feed alternatives nutritionally valued, and in terms of the total costs. Producers have to initiate their own private associations to finance purchasing animal feed, vaccinations and treatments.

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