Determination of Some Structural Features of Cattle Fattening Farms in Mus Province

Abstract

In this research, a face-to-face survey was conducted with 368 farmers in Mus province in order to determine some structural characteristics of fattening farms. Results indicated that the average farmers' age was 44.74, the experience in animal husbandry was 20.0 years and the average number of animals in the farms were 41.72 head. The level of education of the farmers was generally determined as primary school (45.8%) and secondary school (33.6%). Combined farms account for 86% of fattening farms in the province. Of the farmers, 39.3% were members of the union and 15.9% were members of the cooperative. Overall, 77.5% of the farmers thought province of Mus was suitable for cattle fattening, while 64% of whom did not. It Concentrated feed and roughage are reported to be too expensive in the region. The ratios of native, crossbreed and cultural breeds raised in the farms were 26.6%, 45.6% and 47.7% respectively. Among the hybrid races in the farms were the most Simental and Swiss Brown hybrids. The most mentioned problems in farms were high feed prices, low support premium and expensive veterinary services. The expectations of the farmers from the authorities were to have low costed credits, increase the number of breeding animals and support premiums.