General Structure of Cattle Farming Enterprises and Basic Care and Feeding Practices of Breeders: The Example of Çorum City Center

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.