A research on structural characteristics and problems of sheep breeding according to farmer size in Erzincan

In this study, it was aimed to determine the structural characteristics and problems of Erzincan sheep farms and to propose solutions to these problems. The study was carried out 106 face-to-face surveys with sheep farmers in Erzincan. The farms were divided into three groups according to number of sheep: small farm (≤100 head), medium sized farm (101-500 head) and large farm (≥501 head). The effect of farm size on various factors was observed. Only 8.6% of the enterprises are engaged in a different livestock activity except sheep breeding. It was determined that 93% of the farmers made free mating, 4% made hand mating and 3% made class-style mating. The statistical significance was determined (p<0.05) for mating method on farm size. 29% of the breeders do not want to be twins in births. It was determined that 81% of small farm and all large farm were sold as milk cheese. The 81% of small farm and all large farm are members of the Erzincan Sheep and Goat Breeders Association. In order to increase the efficiency of the sheep, 82.8% of the farmers wanted to make a scientific improvement and the rest did not want to do it. As a result, incorrect practices that harm both the country and the farm economy have been determined, such as breeders using their own rams on the mating, not feeding additional sheep on the mating and not wanting to be twins at birth.