Paper Title
REPRODUCTION AND MILK PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT INDAIRY FARMS IN SEMI ARID REGIONS OF ALGERIA

Abstract
Abstract - This study aimed to characterize the reproduction and milk production managementin Algerian dairy farms located in the semi-arid regions of the country. Collected data concerned 40 bovine farms in Constantine region, northeast Algeria and combined a retrospective survey and farm monitoring. Reproduction management is characterized by low use of artificial insemination (only 5%) and lack of animal monitoring. Heifer management is characterized by late breeding with an average age at first calving reaching 39 months and low fertility rates in heifers. Dairy cows management is characterized by mediocre performances, with long calving intervals which may exceed 400 days (31%). intervals from calving to first service are either too early (29 % before 50 days postpartum) or too late (22% after 90 days postpartum) with less than 60% of the cows impregnated within 90 days postpartum Milk production is conducted in the absence of necessary specialized equipment, milk yields are low and often not recorded, and milking practices and dry period management are badly conducted. Milk commercialization practices don’t reflect the real production; this latter is largely used for family consummation, or sold to neighboring consumers rather than delivered to milk factories. Keywords - Reproduction Management, Milk Production, Dairy Farms, Algeria.