Technical and Economic Assessment of Cattle Herds of some Experimental Research Stations in Egypt

Abstract

This study was carried out as a beginning to evaluate cattle herds of experimental research stations belonging to Animal Production Research Institute (APRI) - Ministry of Agricultural to stand on constrains and reveals opportunities to improve productivity in view of economic aspect. The study targeted evaluation of cow and buffalo herds in Sakha and Mahalat Mosa stations in Kafr El-Shaykh governorate, El- Serw I and El-Serw II stations in Damietta governorate. Cattle herds differentiated local cow and Friesien (crossbred) at El-Serw I station, Friesien (crossbred) and Angus (crossbred) at Sakha station, buffalo at Mahalat Mosa and El-Serw II stations. Dairy cattle contributed 47% of the total herd size of the studied stations, meanwhile 39% for female calves and 10% for male calves. Milk yield recorded 3150 L per head per season for cow herd in Sakha station, followed by 3000 L, 2400 L and 1620 L for cow herd in El- Serw I , and buffalo herds in El- Serw II and Mahalet Mosa stations, respectively. Highest dairy outcome (10701 LE/ head /season) contributed by buffalo herd in El- Serw II station due to milk income and calving production generates buffalo as major dairy cattle to approach abundance price from livestock products. Cows were prominent for meat production; its calves sold at bargain prices as it offered municipal meat in local markets. Results of the study indicated importance to initiate semi-commercial dealing contributes to cover part of costs conducted for experimental researches and as well enlarge stations` income.