A research on structural characteristics of sheep farms which are members of sheep and goat breeding association in Central district of Antalya

In this research, of was aimed to determine the structural characteristics, and problems of sheep farms that are of Antalya Sheep and Goat Breeding Association located in Aksu, Kepez and Döşemealtı districts, and to provide some solutions. In this context, as survey was conducted in 90 sheep farms. The average age of sheep breeders was found to be 49.5±1.21. 76.7% of them were primary school graduates. While the average, land size was 10.77 decare, 76.7% of sheep raised was Pirit genotype. According to the results of the survey, 106.03±6.94 heads of breedstock and 3.26±0.23 heads of rams were found on avarage in the enterprises. The enterprises, annual lamb yield and mortality rate were 104.91% and 25.78% respectively. 87.8% of shelters were open shed and 12.2% close shed. Most sheep farm enterprises 98.9% were vaccinating animals. The most common health problem in enterprises was akabene disease (92.3%). 93% of the farmers reported that the feed prices were expensive, and 74.4% of them had difficulties in marketing their animals. As a result; sheep farmers in these districts have great structural, technical, breeding, housing deficiencies and animal health problems.