Current status, problems and solution suggestions of small animal breeding in Southeastern Anatolia Region

This study was conducted to determine the socio-economic characteristics. support benefits. union membership status. animal health practices and problems of small livestock producers in the Southeastern Anatolia Region. The study was conducted between February and June 2024. and the research material consists of survey data conducted in 180 enterprises selected by stratified random sampling method in 9 provinces of the Southeastern Anatolia Region. As a result of the data obtained from the study. it was determined that the enterprises had an average of 299.6 animals and that 87% of the enterprises engaged in animal husbandry only to meet the animal product needs of the family. As the number of animals in the enterprises increased. an increase was observed in the desire to access information and the benefit from support. As a result of the results obtained. it was determined that the most important factors preventing the development of small livestock activities in the Southeastern Anatolia Region were high feed costs and shepherd shortages. and it was suggested that the shepherd profession be made attractive in order to direct young people to animal husbandry activities.