1. Basic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Review ISSN 2315-6880 Vol. 2(8) pp. 166-172 August 2013
Available online http//www.basicresearchjournals.org
Copyright ©2012 Basic Research Journal
Full Length Research Paper
Analysis of livestock production conditions in North
Kordofan State, Sudan
Abdel Moniem M. A. El hag1
, I. Bushara2
, Ali A. hassabo3
, M.O. Eisa3
, and I.A.Ishag4
1
Agriculture Research Corporation (ARC) El- Obeid Research Station, Sudan. P.O. Box 429.
2,4
Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Kordofan,
Sudan.
3
School of Animal Production, Faculty of Agricultural Technology and Fish Science, University of Al Neelain.
3
Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Omdurman Islamic University.
4
Departments of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Animal Production, University of Khartoum.
*Corresponding author email: bushara3000@yahoo.com
Accepted 05 August, 2013
The study was conducted at El-khuwei locality, North Kordofan State, Sudan, during 2010/ 2011. The
main objective of this work was to determine the conditions under which livestock are raised in the
studied area. Using questionnaires, 120 farmers were interviewed from 4 villages (30 for each village).
The data were analyzed using frequencies variables. Results showed that all respondents are male, the
majority 65.0% belonged to the Hammer tribe and 35.0% of them are of the Magana tribe. 36.7% of
respondent ages ranged between 20 - 40 years, while 63.3% ranged between 40-60 years. 45% of
respondents had completed primary school, 28.3% had completed intermediate school and 26.7%
completed secondary school. 53.3% of interviewee are crop farmers and animal breeders; followed by
those are crop farmers 26.7% then those are animal breeders 20.0%. 50% of respondents are settled,
while 25% practiced transhumance and 25% of them are settled and transhumance. 74.2% of
interviewers explained that their animals grazed near the residence in the autumn season; however,
most of them said their animals grazed far from the residence in summer and winter seasons. The
respondents revealed that camels are watered every 5 days in the winter and 4 days in the summer;
however, sheep and goats were watered every 2 days and cattle every day in the summer and winter
seasons. Majority of interviewees 60.8% revealed that Anthrax has the most serious prevalence
amongst cattle and the remainder 39.2% said hemorrhagic septicemia; however; 64.2% revealed that
the sheep pox has the most important prevalence disease in sheep, and 35.8% of them said the
hemorrhagic septicemia. All respondents revealed high density of animals in pasture. 58.3% of them
said that water supply is not enough; while 41.7% of them said water supply was sufficient. All
respondents indicated that they were charged for watering their animals. Regarding the reasons for
decreasing milk production, most respondents 67.5% cited famine of grass, while 32.5% said due to low
nutritive value of grass. All interviewers offered salt to animals, however quantity of salt supplemented
every 3 days were 5, 2 and 1 for cattle, sheep and goat respectively. Regarding animal marketing, all
respondents sold male animals only; however 56.7% of them sold sheep compared to 23.3% and 20.0%
who sold cattle and goats respectively. Majority of owners 89.2% sold goats and sheep at 6 months to 1
year; while 10.8% of them sold animals at age of 1 to 2 years. It could be concluded that analyses of
livestock production conditions in North Kordofan state dependent on improvement of animal
management for environmental factors.
Keywards: Feeding, supplementation, diseases, activity, marketing and management, Sudan
INTRODUCTION
In spite of the great potential of livestock and Sudan’s
self-sufficiency in meat and other livestock products, the
following constraints on production are important:
Overgrazing in some areas, particularly around

2. settlements, while vast areas are under grazed because
of lack of water for the animals. The great distances that
animals often have to walk from water points to graze;
Fadlalla (1987) estimated that walking required 30% of
the daily energy intake of lactating sheep during the dry
season. Expansion of agriculture, particularly
mechanized farming, into traditional grazing land, which
has led to reduction in grazing areas and in many
instances to the blocking of traditional migration routes
and water points, causing conflicts between transhumant
and settled farmers Fadlalla (1987). Louis (1989) defined
the major problem of the rangeland as over-stocking
leading to certain ecological disaster, too little lands, the
local rangeland could not carry an increased cattle
population and that beside localized problems, and the
quality of the environment is deteriorating. At times of
drought, pressure on grazing land and water resources is
leading to marked deterioration in range productivity
(Pears, 1970). In Mali, the vegetation is devastated in
radius of 20-30 km around the permanent water owing to
increased human and animal population concentrating in
the dry season (Swift, 1975). The requirement for water is
affected by such environmental factors as the amount of
dry matter (DM) eaten, the nature of the feed, physiological
condition, temperature of drinking as well as by genotype
(NRC, 1981). In African rangelands the expansion of
agriculture into grazing areas and decreases in minerals
led to low production (Garcia, 1981). Sudan, a typical
developing country in Africa, is highly vulnerable to
climate change and variability. The likely impacts as
assessed by the Sudan’s Initial National Communication
(INC) are manifested in decreasing annual rainfall,
increasing rainfall variability, increasing average annual
temperature, reduction in ecosystems integrity, and
decrease in biodiversity, decline in crops and Arabic gum
yields, frequent spells of drought, change in planting
dates of annual crops, disease outbreaks and insect
infestations and increased risk of food shortages and
famine (HCENR, 2001). Forage produced from natural
pastures represents 86.6% of national animal feed
requirements and about 14% of the population is involved
in livestock production activities on the rangelands
(MAW, 2005). North Kordofan State is situated in the
centre of Sudan with a total area of 245,000 km2
and a
total population around 2.9 million individuals, 80% of
them practicing farming or animal raising. The state
economy depends completely on agricultural products.
Land use pattern within the state is classified into four
main categories included animal raising in an area of
12.6 million hectares following traditional systems,
cropping in area of 4.2 million hectares, horticulture in an
area of 23.95 hectares and forestry area that is estimated
to 2.52 million hectares. Annual rainfall is fluctuating
between 300 and 450 mm, but the last four decades
witnessed drops below the average and agricultural data
recorded many failures in crop production (Harrison and
Jackson, 1958). The State demands for food is estimated
Bushara et al. 167
at 420,000 tonnes annually while the average production
is about 280,000 tonnes. Food security becomes a critical
issue for politicians, planners and development workers.
Climate changes complicated the situations, especially in
remote localities, where agricultural infrastructure is very
week according to El Rasoul and Khatir; (2011). The aim
of this study was to determine the conditions under which
livestock are raised in North Kordofan state and to
identify general information on household characteristics,
feeding and grazing circumstances, prevalence and
control of animal diseases and livestock marketing.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study area
The study was conducted in four villages in Sudan;
namely El-khuwei, El-Rosa, Mialbina and Um-Lopana
which lie between longitudes 28˚ 33' to 28˚ 30' N and
latitudes 12˚ 14' to 14˚ 12' E, about 105 km west of El-
Obeid town. The average monthly temperature was
34.6°C. The mean temperatures in coldest months are
December 14.1°C and January 13.5°C. However; the
hottest months (April, May and June) with an average
mean temperature exceeding 30°C. The soil of the site
lies within the sand dune area locally known as “Goz”
soil. The dominant grasses in the studied area are
Huskneet (Cenchrus biflorus), Shuleny (Zornia
glochidiata), Bano (Eragrostis tremula), Difra (Echinocloa
colonum) and Aborakhus (Andropogon gayanus).
However; the dominant trees include Humied
(Sclerocarya birrea), Higlig (Balanites), Arad (Acacia
etbaica) and Sider (Zizuphus spina). The dominant
Shrubs included Kursan (Boscia senegalensis), Usher
(Calotropis) and Mereikh (Polygala eriotera) according to
MAR; 2009.
Sampling and questionnaire methodology
The survey was conducted through a questionnaire and
guided interviews with farmers in villages selected
randomly. A set of detailed structured questionnaires
were prepared and used to collect information from a
total of 120 farmers (30 farmers from each village) in
interviews conducted over a single visit. The
questionnaires were pre-tested to check clarity and
appropriateness of the questions. The questionnaires
were designed to obtain information on general
household characteristics, animal grazing, types of
diseases infection, quantity of salt supplement and
species of animal marketed.
Data analysis
SPSS statistical computer software (SPSS for windows,

3. 168. Basic Res. J. Agric. Sci. Rev.
Table 1. General information of households in El-khuwei locality, North Kordofan
state, Sudan
Valid No. Frequency (%)
Village:
Elkhuwei 30 25.0
Elrosa 30 25.0
Mialbina 30 25.0
Umlopana 30 25.0
Sex:
Male 120 100.0
Female 0 0.0
Tribe:
Hammer 78 65.0
Magana 42 35.0
Age:
20 – 40 years 44 36.7
40 - 60 years 76 63.3
Education:
Primary school 54 45.0
Intermediate school 34 28.3
Secondary school 32 26.7
Main activity:
Animal breeding and crop farming 64 53.3
Crop farming 32 26.7
Animal breeding 24 20.0
Farmers settled:
Settled 60 50.0
Transhumance 30 25.0
Settled and Transhumance 30 25.0
Type of female management:
Farming & Animal Rearing 70 58.3
Other services 50 41.7
release 15.0, 2006) was used for the statistical analysis.
The Results are represented mainly in the form of
descriptive tabular summaries.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
General information
General information of households is presented in Table
1. The results showed that all respondents are male;
65.0% of them belonged to the Hammer tribe while
35.0% of them were of the Magana tribe. The ages
36.7% of farmers ranged between 20 to 40 years
whereas the ages of 63.3% ranged between 40 to 60
years. Most of farmers 45.0% had completed primary
school; 28.3% had completed intermediate school and
26.7% had completed secondary school. Binyason et al
(1997) reported that the farmers
,
level of education in the
same villages was low, since then 85.0% of them had
received primary education only and perhaps that was
why they were needed developing. More than 50% of
interviewees 53.3% stated their main activity is crop
farming and animal breeding together, 26.7% of them
were crop farmers, while only 20.0% of them were solely
animal breeders. Most of the interviewees 50.0% are
settled, 25.0% of them were adopted transhumance;
while 25.0% of them adopted settlement or
transhumance according to circumstances. In some
nomadic societies women and children may be left near
water points during the wet season to grow crops, raise
small animals, goats and sheep may be herded in the
vicinity of the permanent water, while the main herd is
driven to distant grazing lands (Whiteman, 1980).
Animal feeding and water drinking
Information about animal feeding, grazing and water
drinking were shown in Table 2. The majority of
interviewees 74.2% revealed that their animals were
grazed near the village in the autumn season while
25.8% revealed that their animals grazed far the village.
On the hand, 80.0% and 73.3% of interviewers explained
that their animals grazed far from settlement in summer
and winter season respectively. Humphrey (1991)
reported that a semi-nomadic system implies that stock
owners have a permanent place or semi-permanent
place or residence; usually near to land on which the
family may cultivate crops, but travel with the herds for
long period away from their settlement, watering times for
camels was 5 days in the winter season and 4 days in the

4. Bushara et al. 169
Table 2. Animal feeding, grazing, water supply and salt supplementation in El-khuwei locality,
North Kordofan state, Sudan
Valid No. Frequency (%)
Animal grazing of pasture in the autumn season:
Near grazing from village 89 74.2
Far grazing from village 31 25.8
Animal grazing of pasture in summer season:
Near grazing from village 24 20.0
Far grazing from village 96 80.0
Animal grazing of pasture in winter season:
Near grazing from village 32 26.7
Far grazing from village 88 73.3
Animal density of pasture:
High 120 100.0
Species of fattening plant:
Shuleny (Zornia glochidiata) 84 70.0
Other 36 30.0
Water supply :
Not enough 70 58.3
Enough 50 41.7
Duration of water drinking in summer:
by camels every 4 days 120 100.0
by sheep and goat every 2 days 120 100.0
by cattle daily 120 100.0
Duration of water drinking in winter:
by camel every 5 days 120 100.0
by sheep and goat every 2 days 120 100.0
by cattle daily 120 100.0
Cost of drinking water for animals:
Paid 120 100.0
Free charge 0 0.0
Cost of drinking water per head:
1 SD pounds for camel 120 100.0
0.7 SD pounds for cattle 120 100.0
0.5 SD pounds for Sheep and goats 120 100.0
Reason for milk fluctuation:
Famine of grass 81 67.5
Low nutritive value of grass 39 32.5
Do you supplement salt in animals feeds:
Yes 120 100.0
Salt quantity supplemented every 3 days:
0.18 kg / head of cattle 120 100.0
0.07 kg / head of sheep 120 100.0
0.04 kg / head of goats 120 100.0
summer season; however, the duration for sheep and
goat was 2 days in summer and winter seasons and for
cattle was 1 day in both seasons. NRC (1981) reported
water intake and frequency of watering in nomadic
pastoral grazing; cattle were watered every day, sheep
and goats may go 2 to 3 days without water, and camels
5 to 6 days. Water intake of watering of animals during
the dry season in Africa differs somewhat from American
experience. Sheep and goats daily intake is 4 to 5 with a
frequency of once every day for both species; bovines
and camels daily intake is 30 to 40 once a day or once
every 2 days and 60 to 80 once in 4 or 5 days for range
animals in the dry season. In a question concerning to
animals
,
density in grazing and all respondents explained
that there was a high density of animals or stocking rate
in the pasture. Hanselka and Paschal (1992) reported
that the main factor determining stocking rate was the
density of the vegetation and the palatability of the plants.
Sparse densities of relatively nutritious, palatable plants,
such as spotted knapweed may be best controlled with
light stocking rates of sheep that can take advantage of
the animal's preference for the plant. Most of the
interviewees 70.0% in the current study indicated that the
Shuleny (Zornia glochidiata) is suitable for fattening but
30% said other plants. This is due to the fact that tall
grasses have lower leaf and stem ratios than those of
short grasses Cook and Harris (1950). 58.3% of
respondents said there was not enough water for the

5. 170. Basic Res. J. Agric. Sci. Rev.
Table 3. Types of prevalence diseases and local control of some animals diseases in El-khuwei
locality, North Kordofan state, Sudan
Valid No. Frequency (%)
Types of prevalence diseases in cattle:
Hemorrhagic septicemia 47 39.2
Anthrax 73 60.8
Types of prevalence diseases in sheep:
Sheep pox 77 64.2
Hemorrhagic septicemia 43 35.8
Local control of grape disease (mange):
by Gotran (tar) 120 100
Local control abuniny disease (contagious pleura
pneumonia):
by Atroon (sodium bicarbonate) 120 100
Local control of gofar disease (tripanosomiasis)
by kai (Heat treatment) 120 100
animals in the studied area while 41.7% of them
answered positively. Swift (1975) indicated that in Mali,
the vegetation is devastated in a radius of 20-30 km
around the permanent water owing to increased human
and animal population concentrating in the dry season.
All respondents in the current study revealed that there
was no free water supply and that they paid one SD
pound / head of camel, 0.7 pound / head of cattle and 0.5
pound / head of sheep and goat. The result of salt
supplementation showed that all interviewees added salt
to animal feeds. The quantities of salt supplied to
different type of animals every 3 days were 0.18, 0.07
and 0.04 kg / head of cattle, sheep and goat respectively.
In addition to forages; animals require supplements
containing minerals in various proportions; the mineral
level of ruminants,
changes with changing place and
season. To fulfill the requirements of production mineral
supplementation is done as it has all the salt solutions
which animal need (Khan et al., 2008). Regarding the
reasons for decreased milk production; 67.5% of framers
considered the famine of grass were responsible
compared to 32.5% who considered it to be the low
nutritive value of the grass. In African rangelands the
expansion of agriculture into grazing areas and
consequent decreases in minerals led to low production
(Garcia, 1981). El-Hag et al, (2003) reported increased
productivity of milk and growth by use of supplemental
minerals blocks.
Diseases prevalence and local control of some
animal diseases
Table 3, shows the types of diseases prevalent in the
studied area and the local control of some animals
,
diseases. 60.8% of respondents indicated that anthrax is
the most prevalent disease in cattle while 39.2% said
hemorrhagic septicemia is the most important. Moreover;
the majority of respondents 64.2% revealed that sheep
pox is the important infectious disease in sheep
compared to 35.8% stating hemorrhagic septicemia.
Regarding local control of animal diseases vis: Grape
(mange), Abuniny (contagious pleura pneumonia) and
Gofar (trypanosomiasis) all respondents used Gotran
(tar), Atroon (sodium bicarbonate) and Kai (Heat
treatment) respectively to control the above diseases.
The disease incidence also becomes greater where allow
level of nutrition causes reduced resistance; poor sanitation
and hygiene also affect the health and performance of
animals (HCENR, 2001).
Herd size of different livestock and marketing of
animals
Herd size of different livestock species and animal
marketing are presented in Table 4. For the majority of
respondents 44.2% their cattle herd size ranged between
10 – 40 head; followed by those their herds
,
size ranged
between 40 – 80 head; while small numbers of them their
herds
,
size ranged between 80 – 120 head. Similar trends
were found in herd size of goats; most respondents
52.5% had animals between 10 -40, 40.0% had 40 – 80
animals but the lowest percentage 7.5% had between 80
– 100 animals. Regarding herd size of sheep; 36.7% of
respondents had herds ranging between 80 -100 head;
followed by those their herds ranged between 40 – 80
heads 35.8%, while only 27.5% herds ranging between
10 - 40 heads. The pastoral systems may be defined as
those where households are more than 50% dependent
upon livestock products whilst in agro-pastoral systems
families are 10-50% livestock dependent (Humphrey,
1991). All farmers in the current study always sold male
animals: however, 56.7% of them sold sheep compared
to 23.3% and 20.0% who sold cattle and goats
respectively. The majority of farmers 89.2% marketed
goats and sheep at age between 6 months to 1 year,
while only 10.8% of them sold animals at ages between 1
to 2 years.

6. Bushara et al. 171
Table 4. Herd size of livestock and marketing of animals in El- khuwei locality,
North Kordofan state, Sudan
Valid No. Frequency (%)
Herd size of cattle:
10-40 53 44.2
40-80 43 35.8
80-100 24 20.0
Herd size of sheep:
10-40 33 27.5
40-80 43 35.8
80-100 44 36.7
Herd size of goats:
10-40 63 52.5
40-80 48 40.0
80-100 9 7.5
Sex of animals always sold:
Males 120 100
Females 0 0
Species of animals marketing:
Sheep 68 56.7
Cattle 28 23.3
Goats 24 20.0
Marketing age of goats and sheep:
6 months to 1 year 107 89.2
1 to 2 years 13 10.8
CONCLUSION
The study concluded that the majority of interviewees are
Hammer; their ages ranged between 40 – 60 years, they
completed primary school, and their main activity is
animal breeding and crop farming together. Animals
grazed near the residence in autumn season but grazed
far away in summer and winter seasons. Camels watered
every 5 and 4 days winter and summer respectively,
however sheep and goat watered every 2 days and cattle
watered daily in the summer and winter season. The
most serious prevalent disease in cattle was anthrax;
however, in sheep it was pox. High animal density in
pasture was found and insufficient water for animal
drinking was recorded. The reasons for decreasing milk
produced were famine of grass and low nutritive value.
All farmers offered salt to animals. Most herds of cattle
and goats ranged between 10 – 40 head, while the
majority of herds of sheep ranged between 80 – 100
head. Always male animals were sold; sheep was the
most livestock species sold in the study area; and goats
and sheep were marketed at ages ranged between 6
months to 1 year.
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