Factors affecting milk production of Kenana and Butana cows in the Gezira State, Sudan

Abstract

The present study involved three herds located in Wad Medani Gezira State, two 
governmental farms (ElShukaba and ElNisheasiba) and ElBashaer private farm. The 
objective was to evaluate the effect of breed, herd, parity and calving season on 
lactation yield, lactation length, dry period and calving interval. Data on 43 Kenana 
and 27 Butana cows were extracted from the herds record books during 1970/1998 
and analysed using the computer SPSS program.The overall mean milk yield was 
1330.5±48.6kg in 278.6±7.11 days, the dry period and calving interval were 
200.0±12.2 and 487.3±15.5 days respectively. 
Although the two breeds were statistically similar in the studied traits, but Butana 
cows were found to secure a significantly shorter dry period. 
The yield inEl Bashaer herd was significantly higher than that of the other herds, the 
milking duration was longer and thedry period and calving interval were shorter.A 
progressive increase in milk yield concomitant with a systematic decresingtrendin 
dry period and calving interval was observed as parities advanced from the first to 
the third. 
A better production performance was however, achieved by Butana compared with 
Kenana cows and by ElBashaer herd (a private sector vensure) compared with the 
Public ownership herds.