Structural analysis of cattle enterprises in the central districts of Diyarbakir province

This thesis was conducted to analyze the structural characteristics and producer profiles of cattle enterprises operating in the central districts of Diyarbakır province (Kayapınar, Bağlar, Yenişehir, and Sur). A total of 160 enterprises were selected using a stratified sampling method from 5,146 cattle farms registered in the Turkish Veterinary Information System (TURKVET). Face-to-face surveys were conducted, and the data were analyzed using SPSS 15.0. According to the findings, 90.6% of the enterprises are family-run, and 93% are engaged solely in livestock farming. Approximately 91.3% of the barns are closed-type, with the majority reflecting traditional structures. The use of technological equipment in milking is limited, with 85.6% of farms still relying on hand milking. The total number of cattle across all enterprises is 5,113, of which 56% are cows. In terms of herd size, 53.7% of the farms are small-scale, holding between 1 and 10 animals. Regarding land ownership, 31% of the farms have no land, while 40% own only 1–50 decares. Only 7% engage in any form of crop production. Most farm owners (80.6%) are between 41 and 60 years old, and 61.7% are either illiterate or only literate. A large majority (95.6%) rely solely on livestock for income, while 78.8% express satisfaction with their profession. The main challenges reported include high feed costs, insufficient technical infrastructure, and limited access to veterinary services. Only 37% find veterinary services adequate, despite 83% applying regular vaccinations. Common health issues include mastitis, foot diseases, and respiratory infections. In reproduction management, 71% track estrus, and 64% use artificial insemination, mostly performed by provincial directorate personnel and private veterinarians. Calves are generally weaned between 2 and 3 months. Only 14.4% of farms use milking machines, and 67% of those practicing milking apply udder hygiene procedures. The results emphasize the need for modernization, promotion of forage crop production, enhancement of farmer training, and improvement of barn infrastructure. For sustainable livestock farming, region-specific development policies and farmer-centered support mechanisms must be established.