Structural Characteristics of Extensive Small Ruminant Farms and Transition Opportunities to Organic Animal Husbandry: The Case of Balıkesir Province, Turkey

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to determine the transition possibilities of the extensive small ruminant farms in Balıkesir Province, located in the Marmara Region of Turkey, to organic livestock farming by examining their structural characteristics. For this purpose, all the districts of Balıkesir province were taken into consideration, and 603 enterprises selected by purposeful sampling method in 270 neighborhoods, where extensive sheep and goat breeding were carried out, constituted the material of the research. Surveys were used to collect data regarding the socio-demographic characteristics of the farm owners, their knowledge, and approaches to animal breeding, feeding, and health practices. According to the results of the research, 87.40% of the farm owners stated that they have been farming for more than 15 years, and 79.93% stated that they are members of a producer organization. It was reported that no disease was found in 82.22% of sheep farms and 78.43% of goat farms. The animals can benefit from grazing areas throughout the year in 74.44% of the sheep farms and 77.12% of the goat farms. Inseminations in sheep and goats are carried out via natural mating. Lambs/kids suckle their mothers for about 3-4 months. In some vicinities of the districts of Dursunbey, Ivrindi, and the Island of Marmara, the sheep and goat breeding is carried out mainly via native breeds and their cross-breeds. The small ruminant breeding carried out in these vicinities shows a great similarity to the organic system. Supports for the small ruminant farms in the mentioned vicinities in organic forage production will ensure that Balıkesir, which is among the provinces that have a reputation in animal production, will also be a pioneer in organic animal production. In fact, it was determined that more than 70% of the farmers had a positive view of the transition to organic animal farming. However, in addition to technical knowledge and support for organic livestock farming, farmers should be encouraged to be organized in organic livestock farming.

Keywords

• balıkesir
• extensive livestock farming
• organic livestock farming
• sheep
• goat