Effect of Production Systems on Milk Yield and Calf Performance in North Kordofan State, Sudan

Abstract

<jats:p>This study was conducted in two locations, Kazgail and Um arada, Sheikan locality, North Kordofan State, Sudan. Objective of the study to evaluate the effects of production system on milk production and quality and calf performance. Thirty (30) dairy cattle were employed in this experiment. Cows were weighed and divided into two groups each with Fifteen (15 cow) in complete randomized design. Group A was located in Kazgail village and considered as close production system and group B in Um arada village as open production system. Data were analyzed by using T test for analysis of variance procedures and least significant difference (LSD) for mean separation. The results revealed that production system significantly (p&lt;0.001) affected milk production, where group A had maintained higher milk yield compared with group B. the respectively milk yield were 153.60 and 65.57 Lb for Group A and B respectively. Results showed significant differences (p&lt;0.05) between systems for the milk quality during first and second month of lactation period on fat content (4.67 vs 4.87% ) for A and B groups respectively and lactose content (4.61 vs 4.77%) for A and B groups respectively. Results revealed that calves birth weight significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected by production system. The mean birth weights were (35.58 vs 31.98 kg) for A and B groups respectively. The study demonstrated that production system had no significant effect on weaning weight. Results showed that production system significantly (p&lt;0.05) affect daily body weight gain. In conclusion, dairy cattle in different production system; showed variable milk production during lactation period and variation in milk composition during three month.</jats:p>