Abstract

Mohammed Omar Gaafar

Ninety dairy farms were surveyed in Khartoum State to investigate their veterinary supervision, management, husbandry, biosecurity and hygienic practices. The information was collected by using questionnaire, visits and direct interviews with farm owners. Supervision of the dairy farms revealed highly significant (P < 0.001) variations and mostly done by the owners and herd keepers (60.8%). Cows alone as the main milk producing animals represent 60% and the predominant herds were cross breed dairy cows. Medication was usually given by the veterinarians assisted by farm owners and laborers (47%). Vaccination against some contagious diseases as a routine was done in 65.2% of the farms. The data showed that dairy cattle come in contact with other animals from different herds or farms through natural mating (56.3%), during feeding (20.7%) and drinking (23%). Dipping areas, cleaning of milkers' hands before milking, cleaning of udder, and keeping records were rare. Quarantine of newly introduced cows was practiced in 34.4% of the studied farms and 64.4% of farms owners keep their dairy cows inside the farms without grazing. Dung removal within regular intervals was practiced by 61.1% of the dairy farms and the single use of disposal syringes for one animal was practiced in 45% of the farms. Well designed pens were observed only in 13.3% of the farms, while 70% of pens were designed with local materials. The current study showed high prevalence of mastitis (90%), thileriosis (66.7%) and tick infestation (88.9%) in the surveyed dairy farms and that diseases control were not satisfactory. Hence the present study recommended the training of animal producers and laborers (formal and vocational training) to increase awareness on house designing, rearing, herd management and biosecurity and health supervision of their herds.