Distinctive features of the sheep farmer, management practices of feeding and breeding, and products of sheep farms in Bursa province (Turkey)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the structural status and the breeding characteristics of sheep farms that stand out in the city of Bursa with regard to their agricultural production activities. The farms were divided i93nto three groups: small-size farms (50 to 100 head), medium-size farms (101 to 150 head) and large-size farms (above 151 head). Sheep farms in Bursa are carried out in a settled style, and this agricultural activity is the main income source of breeders. The main reasons for the changes in the sheep population are economic problems and the difficulty of finding shepherds. Various problems that have come about due to the problematic use of pastures, which are indispensable for sheep breeding, now create significant limitations for sheep breeding. On the other hand, the geographical structure and the land size of Bursa Province, in addition to its proximity to metropolitan cities and markets, present important opportunities for the development of sheep breeding. At this point, it is important that the establishments included in the study put into effect the already existing dynamics to be more active for increasing profitability and productivity.