Socio-Economic Structure, Production Practices, Observations and Suggestions in Nomadic Sheep Production in Ordu province located in Black-Sea Region of Türkiye

Abstract

Products obtained from farm animals meet the need for animal protein, which has an important place in human nutrition. In recent years, the demand for the products of small ruminants has been increasing. Products obtained from small ruminants are important in meeting the nutritional needs of the world population. Especially in light of the effect of global warming, small ruminants production has become even more important. Especially considering the production conditions of small ruminants, the nutritional needs of animals are met by grazing in the existing highlands. This study was conducted in Ordu province, located in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye. The Black Sea region, with its coasts and springs, is a region where breeders engage in nomadic animal husbandry. In the study, it was determined that 86.6% of the nomadic sheep breeders are producing Karayaka breed sheep while 13.4% are breeding Karayaka crossbreds. In the study, 47.9% of the breeders who participated in the survey live in the village and 45.1% live in the district. Percent 94.4 of the breeders were male and 5.6% were female. It was determined that 32.4% of the breeders were between the ages of 41-50 and 40.8% were primary school graduates. The rate of those who contribute to their livelihood through husbandry is 57.2%. The rate of those who want to continue small ruminant farming in the future is 82.9%. Additionally, it was determined that the majority of breeders attach importance to record keeping and animal health protection practices. In the enterprises where the study was conducted, difficulties were encountered in supplying feed and finding shepherds, and high feed prices and labor costs were stated as the most common problems. In nomadic sheep breeding, grazing and climate parameters in pastures and plateaus have a significant impact on the nutrition of the animals. Therefore, facilitating the transportation of sheep to pastures and plateaus and the sustainability of these areas will positively affect nomadic sheep breeding.