PRODUCTION SYSTEMS AND DAIRY PRODUCTION OF SUDAN CAMEL (Camelus dromedarius): A Review

Abstract

Sudan ranks first among the Arab countries and second in Africa with respect to animal population. The Sudan is considered as the second country in the world in camel’s population (more than 4 millions). The history of the dromedary camel in the Sudan is even more obscure. It is believed to have entered the Sudan from Egypt. The oldest evidence is a bronze figure of camel with a saddle found at Merwi and estimated to date between 25-15 B.C. Camels in the Sudan are spread in a belt configuration; it extends between latitudes 12º-16ºN. This belt is characterized by erratic rainfall, less than 350 mm. and contains two main regions: the Eastern state, where camels are found in the Butana plains and the Red Sea hills, and the Western Regions (Darfour and Kordofan). In Sudan the production systems include: traditional nomadic system, transhumant or semi-nomadic system, sedentary or semi-sedentary system and intensive system which is limited to racing and dairy camels. Camels in most pastoral societies are milked by men (one or two herdsmen). And to prevent calves from suckling at pasture during the day it is common among the nomad, to tie up one or more teat wit h special strings. Milk yield of Sudan camel can reach 10 kg/day in the early lactation and good conditions and declined to 2 kg/day in the late lactation and bad conditions (in best animal) otherwise it range 5 – 10 kg / day. Most of the camel milk in the Sudan is drunk fresh, and some times sour (fermented) (Garis) or with tea (Sbanes). Processing and manufacturing of camel milk in to milk products like butter, ghee, cheese, ice cream, etc, not found except in some limited research.