A field survey of some camel productive and reproductive traits in the Butana area, Sudan

This field survey study was conducted to investigate major constraints facing camel herd growth and reproduction in the Butana area. Data were collected during the study period from July 2009 to June 2010. Forms of questionnaires distributed, included different productive and reproductive characters, where a total of 321 camels were surveyed. The results showed that the number of pregnant she-camels was found positively correlated with age. Seventy percent of delivered females were recorded during August. General reproductive traits recorded during the survey period revealed that mean age at puberty was 40.5 months, while full reproductive potential was reached at a mean of 60 months. Age at first calving was recorded to be 72 months, while calving interval was observed at a mean of 30.5 months. Daily milk yield surveyed was higher (P<0.05) during winter and autumn (3.16 ± 2.41 and 2.88 ± 2.41 L, respectively), while lower daily milk production was recorded during summer (1.23 ± 1.22 L). Milk production was found positively correlated with age.