Investigation of Structural Characteristics and Flock Management Practices of Sheep Breeding Farms: The Alaca District of Çorum Province Example

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.