Feed Usage and Feeding Practices in Cattle Farms in İspir County of Erzurum Province

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

The aim of this study was to determine the current situation on feed usage and cattle feeding practices and reveal the concerning problems in cattle enterprises in İspir county of Erzurum Province to suggest solutions for these problems. For this purpose, a face-to-face survey was conducted with the owners of 394 randomly selected cattle breeders. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using the chi-square independence and frequency analysis test. Results: According to the findings, it was determined that 97.7% of the enterprises made plant production. Silage, which is an important source of roughage, was utilized at a very low level (2.8%) in the county. It was also determined that the breeders generally fed their animals based on their own knowledge and experience. They started offering roughage and concentrate feed to the calves in the fourth week (97.5%) and watering in the third week (98.7%) after birth. It was found that 99.7% of the enterprises initiated pasture grazing in April (95.4%) and animals were grazed in the pasture for more than 5 months. It was concluded that there is a lack of information about animal feeding among breeders in the county. For this reason, training activities by the relevant institutions, increasing the knowledge and skills of the breeders, and encouraging silage production will benefit the development of the region’s livestock production.