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- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Investigation of Managerial Practices Related to Calves’ Survival in Dairy Cattle Farms: The Case of Çorum Province
Bayraktar, Bülent; Tekce, Emre; Aydemir, Seyma; Erdoğan, Yaşar; Aksakal, Vecihi; Ürüsan, Hılal; Kotan, Gökşad Cemil
This study was conducted using a Cross-Sectional Observational Design to determine the effects of current managerial practices applied in commercial dairy cattle farms in Çorum Province on calf survival. The main material of the study consisted of 120 active farms, which represent the general structure of the dairy cattle sector in the region. Data were collected via face-to-face surveys, and the scale’s reliability was confirmed (Cronbach’s Alpha: 0.742) and suitability for Factor Analysis (KMO: 0.710) was verified. The results showed that while 88.33% of the farmers were members of a cooperative/union and 57.50% reported timely colostrum administration (within the critical <4 hours), these positive indicators contrasted sharply with low biosecurity and poor practical application. Specifically, calf mortality was high (42.50% of farms reported mortality rates >5%), mainly due to diarrhea and pneumonia, with 65.83% of deaths occurring in the first 30 days. Critical management deficiencies included uncontrolled colostrum feeding (85.00% via suckling, risking failure of passive transfer), severe biosecurity breaches (85.83% of calves housed with adult animals), and delayed introduction of solid feed. In conclusion, the primary challenge in Çorum is not lack of institutional access or basic knowledge, but rather a critical disconnection between theoretical knowledge and practical management implementation. To improve calf survival, management strategies should shift from traditional suckling to controlled colostrum protocols and emphasize the transition from group housing to individual calf hutches to ensure biosecurity.
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İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Investigation of Structural Characteristics and Flock Management Practices of Sheep Breeding Farms: The Alaca District of Çorum Province Example
Bayraktar, Bülent; Aydemir, Seyma; Kotan, Gökşad Cemil; Küçük, Gülben
The aim of this study is to comprehensively examine the structural characteristics and herd management practices of sheep farms in Alaca district of Çorum province and to reveal their current status through a survey conducted on 130 sheep farms. The study revealed that the breeder population in the sector is concentrated in young (18-30 years old) and middle-aged (31-40 years old), with the younger generation actively participating in the sector. The vast majority of breeders view livestock farming as their primary source of income, with a predominant portion of their farms focusing on slaughter and sacrificial animal husbandry. While basic facilities such as resting areas, lighting, and ventilation are largely adequate, the lack of specialized enclosures necessary for modern herd management, such as sick animal pens (48.46%), milking parlors (86.92%), and shearing areas (100.00%), is striking. In terms of herd management practices, the most common age for first mating for females was 15 months. Rams are kept in the flock only during the breeding season in the majority of farms, and the most frequently used breeding method is reported to be free-breeding (pen breeding/pasture breeding). Underweight birth was identified as the primary cause of lamb mortality at 46.92%. Although the vast majority of farms regularly administer official vaccinations, only a small percentage conduct regular hoof checks and care, highlighting deficiencies in preventative herd protection practices. Furthermore, although almost all breeders use village communal pastures or highland pastures, 90.00% of breeders believe pastures are inadequate, primarily attributing this inadequacy to the small size of pasture areas. In conclusion, despite its young and well-organized Sheep sector in Çorum, it exhibits significant deficiencies in modern herd management infrastructure and preventative herd protection practices, and faces a critical pasture availability problem. Therefore, to ensure sustainability and enhance competitiveness, it is crucial for local governments to encourage pasture improvement and forage production, as well as expand grant/support mechanisms for the development of modern shelter infrastructure.
AtıfOpenAlex1İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026General Structure of Cattle Farming Enterprises and Basic Care and Feeding Practices of Breeders: The Example of Çorum City Center
Bayraktar, Bülent; Tekce, Emre; Aydemir, Seyma; Kotan, Gökşad Cemil; Kebapcı, Eren
This study examined the general structure of cattle farming operations enterprises in the central district of Çorum city center and the basic care and feeding practices of breeders based on a survey conducted on 130 cattle enterprises between May and June 2023. Cattle enterprises in Çorum city center are generally small to medium-sized; 43.08% of these operations have a capacity of 11-30 animals, while 71.54% are owned by the breeders themselves. Breeders in these operations are predominantly male (82.31%), with the largest age group being between 31 and 40 years old, at 36.15%. Livestock farming is the population source of income for 83.85% of breeders, and their education levels are increasing, with 32.31% of breeders now high school graduates. Breeders combine family knowledge with information from official institutions and organizations as a source of knowledge and experience, and 58.46% rely on experience in their livestock feeding decisions. Animals are generally fed twice a day, with a 90% mix of roughage and concentrate, while automatic waterers (48.46%) are preferred for providing drinking water. However, since 67.69% of concentrate needs are met externally, there is external dependency, and 81.54% of breeders face a pasture shortage. 60.77% of the barns are located adjacent to or below the house, and reinforced concrete (67.69%) is used as the construction material. Regarding cleaning practices, straw (73.85%) is the most preferred bedding material in the barns, general cleaning is done 1-3 times a year, and manure is removed manually and deposited in the open areas (86.15%). 86.15% of breeders are members of breeder associations, and the most frequently received support is pedigree and preliminary pedigree support (89.23%). 68.46% of enterprises maintain an animal registration system. As a result, cattle enterprises in Çorum have a structure that combines traditional methods with modern practices. The breeders' high organizational awareness and propensity for record keeping indicate that the sector has potential for future growth. However, further improvements are needed in areas such as the use of professional nutrition resources and manure management.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2025Evaluation of Small Livestock Farms in Çorum Province in terms of Structural Characteristics, Herd Management Practices, Biosecurity and Animal Welfare
Tekce, Emre; Aydemir, Seyma; Bayraktar, Bulent; Kotan, Gökşad Cemil; Öztürk, Duygu
This study was conducted to examine the structural characteristics, biosecurity, and animal welfare practices of 120 small ruminant farms in Çorum province. The study included face-to-face surveys, observations, and measurements on farms with at least 50 animals, where a total of 17 different parameters were considered: 7 related to shelters, 7 related to building and equipment conditions, and 3 related to animal health. The majority of participating farm owners were young and middle-aged men who rely on livestock farming as their primary source of income (69%). The sector shows growth potential, demonstrated by the fact that 65% of farmers reported an increase in flock size over the last five years. However, a significant deficiency in modern herd management was identified, as 70% of farms do not use formal record-keeping systems. In terms of biosecurity, although 90.83% of breeders follow a regular vaccination schedule, crucial preventive measures like physical area disinfection and manure removal are performed infrequently, often only once a year. Lack of knowledge about biosecurity and excessive costs were reported as the main obstacles to effective implementation. The welfare assessment, based on the ANI 35L-derived protocol, rated the farms' housing and equipment status as "medium", with critical deficiencies noted in insulation and facilities for heat and cold protection (77.5% lack insulation). However, animal health parameters were generally rated as "moderate", with only skin condition being scored as "good". In conclusion, small ruminant farms in Çorum exhibit growth potential but urgently require improvements in key areas such as record-keeping, biosecurity measures, and modern barn infrastructure to enhance animal welfare and productivity.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2023Scopus SJRQ3Relationship of progranulin response with some physio-biochemical parameters in Akkaraman sheep
Bayraktar, Buelent; Tekce, Emre; Genç, Murat; Kaya, Hacer; Özcan, Gulbahar Boyuk; Aydemir, Seyma; Kotan, Goksad Cemil; Takma, Cigdem; Ürüsan, Hilal; Aksakal, Vecihi
Progranulin (PGRN) is a multifunctional protein that is critical in the retention of embryos in the endometrium of the uterus and the protection of cervical tissue during fetal growth. In case of PGRN release and dysfunction, cervical tissue may remodel (regeneration) and lead to the risk of abortion. Serum PGRN level in sheep and its variation according to different physiological periods and its relationship with some biochemical parameters are unknown. In this study, the relationship between early lactation, early and late pregnancy serum PGRN levels and some biochemical parameters in Akkaraman sheep was investigated for the first time. In the literature search, no similar studies were found on the relationship between early lactation, early and late pregnancy serum PGRN levels and some biochemical parameters in Akkaraman sheep. The research was carried out on 90 Akkaraman sheep reared in the same herd under the same care and feeding conditions. In the study, Akkaraman ewe were divided into 3 groups as early lactation, early pregnancy and late pregnancy. 1st group is early lactation period ewe (first 60 days of lactation), (n = 30), 2nd group is in the first period of pregnancy (on the 0-90th day of the first pregnancy (n = 30)), 3rd group is in the late pregnancy of pregnancy (100-150 days of pregnancy (n = 30)) was created. Blood samples from vena jugularis were taken before morning feeding from the animals that formed the study groups. PGRN levels in serum were determined by ELISA method. In addition, glucose, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels were analyzed in biochemistry autoanalyzer. As a result of the study, lactation and early pregnancy and late pregnancy mean serum PGRN levels were determined as 1.93, 1.78, 1.33 ng mL-1, respectively. The serum PGRN, glucose, Ca, Mg, P, TC, TG, LDL, HDL and VLDL levels of sheep with late pregnancy, early lactation and early pregnancy periods, which constitute the study groups, were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). Our results have shown that due to the physiological role of PRGN in keeping the embryo in the endometrium of the uterine and in preserving the cervical tissue during fetal growth, there may be a useful parameter in the pursuit of the pregnancy process.
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