Comparison of Socio Demographic and Management Characteristics of Dairy Cattle Enterprises in Van Province

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to compare the socio-demographic and management structures of dairy cattle enterprises that are and are not members of the Cattle Breeders' Association of Van Province. The material of the study consisted of survey data collected from 89 member and 89 non-member dairy cattle enterprises of Van Province Cattle Breeders' Association. Parametric and non -parametric tests were used to compare the socio-demographic and management structures of the enterprises. It was determined that there were no significant differences in terms of socio-demographic characteristics of the enterprises; age, education level and experience. However, in terms of management structures; it was determined that there were significant differences between the enterprises that were members and non-members of the union in terms of the variables of having a tractor, number of cows, milk yield, udder cleaning before milking, keeping records in the enterprise, benefiting from agricultural supports, silage and animal life insurance. According to these results, it can be said that dairy cattle enterprises that are members of Cattle Breeders' Association are relatively more conscious and have better production opportunities.