Cost-benefit analysis of different fattening systems with Tuj and Hemşin lambs in controlled conditions

Abstract

This study aims to determine the most profitable fattening system through an economic analysis of lamb fattening in different fattening systems under controlled conditions which was performed for the first time in Turkey. The material of the study consists of 39 weaned lambs of 2.5-3 months old from each of the Tuj and Hemşin genotypes. In the study, the lambs were separated into the 3 fattening groups of extensive, semi-intensive and intensive including 13 Tuj and 13 Hemşin lambs in each group through the systematic sampling method in a diagonal manner and these lambs were subject to 90 days-fattening. As a result of the economic analysis, the daily cost per animal, and output/input ratio for Tuj lambs in the extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive fattening systems were respectively determined to be ₺ 0.94 TL-1.05, ₺ 1.69 TL-1.20, and ₺ 1.99 TL-1.12 and the same values were respectively determined to be ₺ 0.95 TL-1.04, ₺ 1.70 TL-1.11, and ₺ 2.00 TL-1.09 for Hemşin lambs. All the fattening systems are statistically different from each other in the fattening of Tuj and Hemşin lambs in terms of total costs (P<0.001). On the other hand, a statistically significant difference was determined between the extensive fattening system and other fattening systems in terms of net profit and output/input ratios (P<0.001). In conclusion, as the total costs, 1 kg carcass, 1 kg live weight gain, and 1 kg live weight costs are lower; on the other hand, as net profit and input/output ratios in the semi-intensive fattening system are higher compared to the intensive fattening system, for Tuj and Hemşin lambs the semi-intensive fattening system is recommended