Comparison of non-member and Isparta cattle breeder association member enterprises in terms of performance and examination of their relationship with Isparta cattle breeder association

The main purpose of this study was to compare general situation of non-member and Isparta Cattle Breeder Association (IDSYB) member enterprises, and to evaluate the relation of members with IDSYB. Study was conducted by face to face interview with randomly chosen 200 member and non-member enterprises in Isparta and Yalvaç, Şarkikaraağaç and Keçiborlu districts. Enterprises were especially chosen from Isparta and some districts that had high number of cattle to represent the general situation of Isparta province. The questions in the questionnaire reflected the socio-economic situation of the enterprises owners and their relation with IDSYB. Questions were intended to gather data on education level of the owners, current number of cattle, condition and performance of enterprises, expectation of farmers from IDSYB and their relation with IDSYB. Results showed that all the farmers regardless of membership to DSYB were literate and members had higher monthly income than non-members. Most of the farmers (70 percent) were involved with cattle husbandry and plant production. Number of cattle per farm was as follow: 32.85 percent had 2-15 heads, 39.44 percent had 16-30 heads and 27.71 had more than 31 heads of cattle. Average number of lactating cow per farm was 19 and 7.7 for members and non-members, respectively.There was no significant difference in terms of daily milk yield between members and non-members, however members had numerically higher yield than non-members. Members had better facilities that affect yield and quality than non-members.Number of artificial insemination per pregnancy was lower for members and this helps reduce cost and improve reproductive performance.The most important reason for members to become member was to benefit from government support and improve income. Majority of the members (81.95 percent) mentioned that they were content with IDSYB personnel and their work, constant surveillance of their farm by IDSYB was the most contended activity of IDSYB.