A Research Study on the Determination of the Level of Animal Welfare in Sheep Farming Enterprises in the Central District of Iğdır Province

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine and evaluate the level of animal welfare in sheep farming enterprises in the central district of Igdir province. In the study, the data obtained through the face-to-face survey method from 100 enterprises were evaluated. In the assessment, it was determined that in terms of animal welfare, the resting, lighting, ventilation, feeding and watering areas were sufficient at a rate of 72%, 76%, 83%, 72%, and 75%, respectively. It was reported that 97% of enterprises had lamb compartments, of which 67% were sufficient. Ram compartments were present in 73% of enterprises and 60% of them were sufficient. Sick animal compartments existed in 72% of enterprises, and 47% of them were sufficient. Lambing compartments were found in 76% of enterprises, and 54% of them were sufficient. When the animal welfare related parts of the enterprises were examined, it was determined that shearing sheds, footbaths, sheep baths, vehicle baths, loading ramps, and manager/caretaker houses were not present in 73%, 92%, 92%, 92%, 51%, and 71% of enterprises, respectively. It was found that 63% of enterprises did not have lambing pens, and 70% did not perform cord cleaning. It was determined that 90% of enterprises had lame animals and 79% had been attacked by foreign animals. As a result, in order to ensure the permanence of animal welfare, it will create an awareness in producers that institutions and organizations require animal shelters to comply with animal welfare while building, renovating or providing livestock support..