Farm Management Practices in Sheep Farming: A Case Study of Ordu Province

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 6, 774 - 784, 15.11.2025

Fatih Ahmet Aslan , İbrahim Kiper

https://doi.org/10.47115/bsagriculture.1755068

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the structural characteristics, management practices, and challenges faced by sheep farming enterprises in Ordu province, located in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye. Data were collected from 100 enterprises through face-to-face surveys and analyzed based on multidimensional parameters such as producer profile, flock structure, feeding strategies, health practices, and housing conditions. The findings show that most enterprises rely heavily on traditional production methods; however, modern practices such as the use of concentrate feed and obtaining veterinary support from external sources are partially adopted. The predominant use of the Karayaka breed reflects strong regional adaptation, while the high incidence of lamb mortality and the nearly negligible use of reproductive enhancing practices such as flushing feeding indicate significant areas for productivity improvement. In addition, high costs have been identified as a major barrier preventing farmers from implementing welfare oriented practices such as adequate housing and the use of bedding materials. These results emphasize the need to strengthen education, infrastructure, and support mechanisms to promote sustainable sheep farming.

Keywords

Sheep farming , Flock management , Animal health , Feeding practices , Rural development

Ethical Statement

This study was approved for ethical compliance by the Ethics Committee for Social and Human Sciences Research of the Presidency of Ordu University, Republic of Türkiye, with the decision dated 26/06/2025, session number 06, and decision number 2025-120. During the research process, scientific ethical principles were upheld, participant rights were respected, and personal data were protected in accordance with confidentiality standards.

Thanks

We sincerely thank the participating farms for their patience and cooperation in responding to the survey questions.

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